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A steaming dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

This recipe provides a quick and delicious way to prepare baked ziti, perfect for a weeknight meal when you're short on time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. In an oven-safe dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, then layer with half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining mozzarella.
  5. Repeat the layers and top with the rest of the marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.