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Ultimate Comfort: Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Delight - Featured Image

Ultimate Comfort: Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Delight

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Learn how to make delicious Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

If you’re out of ziti, penne or rigatoni work just as well. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or adding a handful of spinach for extra nutrition.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and basil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, half of the mozzarella, ricotta, and half of the parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the ziti mixture evenly over the sauce.
  7. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

This recipe is a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. I remember my abuela always saying that the secret ingredient is love, and I believe that’s what makes this dish so special.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International