Print

Crispy Baked Ziti Recipe with Creamy Ricotta and Mozzarella

crispy baked ziti - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy baked ziti with a crispy golden crust and creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) ziti pasta, uncooked
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of ziti and cook until just shy of al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce and stir. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Stir gently.
  6. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss the cooked pasta with the remaining sauce until well coated, then fold in the ricotta mixture gently. Pour into the baking dish and smooth the top.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking. Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Let the dish rest after baking to set and make serving easier. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, pasta bake, easy dinner, crispy pasta, homemade, comfort food

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-baked-ziti-recipe-with-creamy-ricotta-and-mozzarella-easy-homemade-dinner-delight/