Description
A comforting pasta bake featuring ziti noodles, rich marinara, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, infused with sautéed garlic and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and dried oregano. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta in dollops.
- Add the remaining pasta on top and dot with the rest of the ricotta.
- Top the entire dish with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American