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Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe Perfect for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

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A comforting baked ziti dish featuring tender pasta, creamy ricotta and cottage cheese, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for quick, cozy dinners that satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup (240 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (240 grams) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain well and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to keep from sticking.
  3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Mix the pasta and sauce: In the pot or a large bowl, stir the cooked ziti with marinara sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese: Gently fold the cheese mixture into the sauced pasta. If adding fresh basil, fold it in now.
  6. Assemble the dish: Pour half the pasta-cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  8. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Toss pasta with olive oil after draining to prevent sticking. Layer pasta-cheese mixture evenly for consistent texture. Let the dish rest after baking for easier slicing. Tent with foil if cheese browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy baked pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/easy-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe-perfect-for-cozy-weeknight-dinners/