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Comforting Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole

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A warm, inviting baked ziti casserole layered with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy homemade dinner is perfect for family meals, potlucks, and cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne as a swap)
  • Salted water for boiling
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (I recommend Rao’s)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture preferred)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage, browned
  • 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook 1 pound ziti pasta until just shy of al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 3 cups marinara sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using sausage or veggies, add them now and stir well.
  4. Mix the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 beaten large egg, and optionally, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley. Stir until well blended.
  5. Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Gently fold in the cheese mixture, making sure the pasta is well covered but not overly mashed.
  6. Transfer to the casserole dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish. Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella (about 1/2 cup) over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushiness as it will finish cooking in the oven. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor. Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking for easier serving. Optional add-ins include Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check marinara sauce ingredients. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/comforting-cheesy-baked-ziti-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/