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Classic Baked Ziti

Classic Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Pasta Dish
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Indulge in this comforting Italian-American classic, featuring perfectly al dente ziti pasta coated in a rich tomato marinara and layered with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked until the top is bubbling and golden brown, this dish is the ultimate hearty meal for family dinners. By undercooking the pasta slightly, we ensure it retains a perfect texture that stands up beautifully to the velvety cheese layers and savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ziti pasta
28 oz Marinara sauce
15 oz Whole milk ricotta cheese
16 oz Mozzarella cheese, hand-shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
0.25 cup Fresh basil, chiffonade for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Boil a large pot of heavily salted water and cook the ziti for two minutes less than package instructions.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the parmesan and some fresh herbs.
Spread one cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer half of the pasta over the sauce, top with the ricotta mixture and another cup of sauce.
Add the remaining pasta, cover with the rest of the sauce, and finish by topping evenly with mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
Bake for 40 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with a garnish of fresh basil.

Notes

Always shred your mozzarella by hand rather than buying pre-shredded, as the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent a smooth, velvety melt. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to help revive the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/classic-baked-ziti/