Baked Ziti Marinara Mozzarella (Printable)
Tender ziti layered with marinara sauce, ricotta, and melted mozzarella, baked until bubbly and golden.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
→ Cheese
02 - 2 cups ricotta cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
→ Sauce
05 - 4 cups marinara sauce
→ Seasonings
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
→ For Greasing
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or nonstick spray
# How To Cook:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
04 - Add the cooked pasta and 3 cups marinara sauce to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly incorporated.
05 - Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and spoon over 1 cup marinara sauce.
06 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
07 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
08 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
09 - Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's like sharing a delicious secret; creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite
- This dish quickly became my go-to for easy weeknight dinners that feel special
02 -
- Don't overcook the pasta before baking; it will continue cooking in the oven and can become mushy
- Using half the cheese inside and half on top creates the perfect balance of creaminess and golden crust
03 -
- Using fresh basil really lifts the dish above your typical pasta bake
- Dividing the cheese between the mix and topping creates that luscious texture we all crave