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Creamy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

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A rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella layered with ziti and tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) dried ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces (425 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces / 225 g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup / 80 g)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add tomato sauce to the skillet along with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, half of the shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, and chopped basil if using. Stir until smooth but still a bit fluffy.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained ziti with the warm tomato sauce until well coated.
  7. Spread half of the sauced pasta in the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta and gently spread it out. Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Tent loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be just al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Stir cheese mixture gently to keep it fluffy. Cover loosely with foil during baking to prevent cheese from drying out. For a crispier top, broil for 2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Fresh basil brightens the dish and is highly recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy baked pasta

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-baked-ziti-with-ricotta-and-mozzarella-easy-homemade-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/