Speedy Weeknight Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella
This speedy baked ziti recipe features layers of pasta, a rich ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce, topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's quick to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Medium Bowl
- 9x13 Inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound Ziti Pasta (or any tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (24-ounce)
Dairy & Cheese
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese full-fat
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (8 ounces) shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (2 ounces) grated, plus extra for serving
Other
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
- Olive Oil A drizzle
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional) for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), then cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Assembly
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop the ricotta mixture over it.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta and ziti, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the remaining mozzarella.
- Repeat layers with the rest of the ziti, marinara, and the last 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or fresh herbs to the ricotta mixture.