Description
A streamlined, weeknight-friendly baked ziti that delivers comfort without the stress. This creamy, cheesy dish uses simple pantry ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) Ziti or Penne Pasta
- 24 oz (680g) Marinara Sauce
- 15 oz (425g) Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 2 cups (225g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or rub with olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well without rinsing.
- In a large bowl, mix drained ricotta, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the hot drained pasta to the ricotta mixture. Pour in marinara sauce and toss until pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Drain ricotta if watery to prevent a soupy sauce. Use whole milk ricotta for best texture. Shred your own mozzarella for better melting. Let the dish rest before serving to ensure clean scooping. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, creamy baked ziti, family dinner, comfort food