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Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

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A comforting baked ziti layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, combined with a savory marinara sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the rack in the middle for even heat.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in marinara sauce, add red pepper flakes if using, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the parmesan, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir until smooth.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked ziti with the marinara sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella evenly on top.
  8. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling the remaining parmesan over the top.
  9. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking. Mix the egg gently into the ricotta to keep it creamy. Cover with foil during most of the baking time to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last 15 minutes to brown the cheese. Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor. Sauce simmering step enhances flavor and softens acidity. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, three cheese baked ziti, comfort food, easy pasta bake, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, marinara sauce, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/baked-ziti-with-three-cheeses-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/