Description
This easy baked ziti with ricotta cheese recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. Enjoy a step-by-step guide to achieve the best flavor and a creamy, comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–5 cups marinara sauce (good quality jarred or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- 1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti 2-3 minutes less than package directions (al dente). Drain well.
- 2. Prepare Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil. Add marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir half of the cooked ziti into the sauce.
- 3. Make Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- 4. Layer Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup plain marinara on the bottom. Layer with half of the sauce-coated ziti, then dollop with ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.
- 5. Repeat Layers: Add remaining sauce-coated ziti, then the rest of the ricotta, and finally the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- 6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins