Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but do not rinse.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half the cooked ziti, followed by another layer of sauce and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers once more.
- Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will soften further while baking.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg