Description
This Lazy Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta dish made with tender ziti, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan. It is simple to prepare, oven baked until bubbly and golden, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 grams dry ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well to enhance overall flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking to prevent a mushy texture.
- Let the dish rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lazy baked ziti, easy baked ziti, vegetarian pasta bake, simple ziti casserole, weeknight pasta dinner