Enjoy a comforting and perfectly portioned Italian classic with this Baked Ziti for Two. Designed for smaller households, this recipe avoids the excess of traditional bulk pasta bakes by using a smaller baking dish, ensuring an ideal ratio of crispy cheese top to creamy, sauce-rich centers. With high-quality marinara and freshly grated cheeses, you can achieve a restaurant-quality weeknight meal that is quick, hearty, and free of unnecessary leftovers.
4 oz Ziti Pasta
1.5 cups Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated
1 tsp Dried Oregano
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a medium pot of salted water over high heat.
Add the ziti pasta and cook until slightly firmer than al dente, then drain thoroughly.
Combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella in a mixing bowl.
Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a small oven-safe baking dish.
Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta base.
Top with the remaining pasta mixture and the final layer of mozzarella and parmesan.
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake until bubbly and golden, approximately 25 minutes.
Penne pasta can be used as a substitute for ziti if needed. For the best flavor and texture, use whole milk ricotta and freshly shredded mozzarella. Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid it becoming mushy in the sauce.
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/baked-ziti-for-two/