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Creamy Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

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A warm and comforting baked ziti featuring a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses combined with a rich homemade tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni can work)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing and drizzling
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (about 800 g), San Marzano recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (250 g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g), preferably part-skim
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound dried ziti and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 medium chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce, 1 cup ricotta, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if mixture is too thick. Fold gently until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
  6. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and prevent dryness. Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Cover with foil during initial baking to keep pasta moist and remove foil near end for golden crust. Rest baked ziti before serving to thicken sauce and ease slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy pasta, three cheese pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, cozy dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-baked-ziti-with-three-cheeses-easy-recipe-for-cozy-dinners/