Easy Baked Ziti

                                                    Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting and delicious pasta dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It's made with ziti pasta, a savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Here's a simple recipe for Easy Baked Ziti:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. 
   

3. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. 
   

5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

6. 
   

7. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

8. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.

9. 
   

10. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then spread it out to cover the surface.

11. 
    

12. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta cheese layer.

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14. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, and marinara sauce.

15. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

16. 
    

17. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.

18. 
    

19. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

20. 
    

21. Optionally, broil the Baked Ziti for an additional 1-2 minutes to get a slightly crispy top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

22. 
    

23. Remove the Easy Baked Ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

24. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Serve this delicious and comforting Easy Baked Ziti as a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. The combination of tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella makes this dish a true comfort food classic. Enjoy it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete and delightful dining experience.