Description
Classic Italian-American comfort food featuring al dente ziti pasta baked with a creamy ricotta mixture, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, resulting in a bubbly, golden cheesy casserole perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Sauce and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking your ziti casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it is al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended to add a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then cover with half of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce to build rich flavor and texture layers.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the final layer to ensure a golden, bubbly cheese crust upon baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce layers.
- If you don’t have ziti pasta, penne can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
