Zesty Ziti Bake Recipe
Indulge in hearty Italian comfort food with our Zesty Ziti Bake Recipe. This baked pasta dish features ziti noodles enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, mixed with creamy ricotta, and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck parties!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ziti pasta
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti in a large pot of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta, and sauce. Top with the shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips
- You can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce for an extra hearty dish.
- For a creamier baked ziti, you can mix some of the mozzarella into the ricotta mixture.
Dive into a deliciously cheesy pasta dish with our Zesty Ziti Bake Recipe. Share your baked ziti creations with us using the hashtag #ZestyZitiBake!
