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Irresistible Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe
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Irresistible Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe for Family Comfort Nights

This Irresistible Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe is perfect for family comfort nights with its cheesy goodness and hearty flavors.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Cooling Time10 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Baked Ziti, Cheesy, Comfort Food, family dinner, Make-Ahead, Pasta
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound Ziti Pasta The star of the dish

For the Sauce Mixture

  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Use whole milk ricotta for richness

For the Cheesy Topping

  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds salty depth

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Sprinkle on top before serving

Instructions

How to Make Irresistible Cozy Baked Ziti

  • Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella, along with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drain the cooked pasta and gently fold it into the ricotta marinara mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of your pasta mixture, sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella, layer the rest of the pasta, and finish with remaining cheeses.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to maintain its shape. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.