Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic that brings together tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a delicious blend of three cheeses. This dish is layered with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan, creating a gooey, bubbly, and golden-brown top when baked. The addition of Italian herbs and garlic adds depth and aroma, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this baked ziti is easy to prepare and sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and comforting meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone around the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish.
- Cook the Ziti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the Cheeses:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and mix well.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the marinara sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta on top, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy, melted cheese, this dish is a surefire hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
