How to Cook Baked Ziti Casserole in 15 Minutes

Updated
2 min read

Baked ziti casserole –Welcome to a delightful journey through a comforting and classic dish that brings everyone together: Baked Ziti! This delicious pasta dish is a family favorite that packs layers of flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how simple it is to create this delightful meal!

Baked Ziti

To start, look at this inviting image of the finished dish. It’s sure to whet your appetite!

Baked Ziti

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this scrumptious Baked Ziti:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to whip up your Baked Ziti:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Then add another layer of marinara sauce on top.
  4. Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture, finishing with the last of the marinara sauce. Top everything off with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Once done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

There you have it—a scrumptious Baked Ziti that is perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite. It’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Happy cooking!