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Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

Cheesy baked ziti casserole overflowing with melted cheese and pasta
A delicious and comforting casserole combining ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Serving Size 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups ziti pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Use your favorite brand.
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese Can be substituted with cottage cheese if desired.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese More cheese can be added for richness.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated for better flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil To drizzle on top before baking.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can be adjusted to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or use fresh herbs if available.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your preference.
  • to taste Fresh basil for garnish Optional, for added freshness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture and stir to combine until the pasta is well coated.

Layering

  • In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom.
  • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the first layer of ziti.
  • Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
  • Repeat layering with the remaining ziti mixture, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking

  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. If you prefer a meatier casserole, mix in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the ziti mixture. Be generous with the cheese to enhance the richness of the dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.