Description
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce and layered with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This cozy, cheesy casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying meal with golden, bubbly cheese on top and a flavorful Italian seasoning twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then toss with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Ziti and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the ziti and sauce mixture evenly in the dish. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top and spread gently. Add the remaining ziti, then spread the remaining cheese mixture over that.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld. Optionally garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, enjoying the rich, cheesy, comforting flavors of this classic baked pasta dish.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to ensure it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Tossing pasta in olive oil after boiling prevents sticking and helps with even layering.
- The egg in the cheese mixture helps bind the cheeses so they stay creamy and cohesive when baked.
- Covering the dish while baking prevents the cheese from burning before the pasta is fully heated through.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
