Description
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti coated in marinara sauce and a blend of three cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a hearty and cheesy meal that’s a guaranteed favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil and oregano)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti or penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture, stirring until well coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley in the cheese mixture.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds visual appeal and fresh flavor.
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, chicken, or vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for variations.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze baked ziti for up to 2-3 months; reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Three Cheese Baked Ziti, baked ziti recipe, cheesy pasta, Italian dinner, comfort food, pasta bake