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Baked Ziti with Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce mixture into a baking dish. Add the pasta mixture on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make baked ziti with ricotta casserole
- Ziti pasta: Provides the hearty base, absorbing flavors and holding the dish together with its tubular shape.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, balancing the acidity of the marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer that complements the other cheeses.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste with its distinct character.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, savory element, tying all components together with its robust tomato flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth, elevating the overall taste profile.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté garlic, adding a subtle richness and helping to meld flavors.
- Dried basil: Contributes a sweet, herbal note, enhancing the sauce's complexity.
- Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the basil.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Baked Ziti with Ricotta Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the ziti pasta until al dente.
- Baking dish: Needed to layer and bake the pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked pasta with ricotta and cheeses.
- Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients.
- Colander: Drains the cooked pasta efficiently.
- Grater: Grates the parmesan cheese for topping.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta Casserole Recipe
A comforting baked ziti casserole with creamy ricotta and melted cheese.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce mixture into a baking dish. Add the pasta mixture on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish.
Read more: Baked Rigatoni with Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook ziti pasta and prepare sauce as directed.
- Mix pasta with ricotta, half mozzarella, and half parmesan.
- Layer half sauce, pasta mixture, and remaining sauce in baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, top with remaining cheese and bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in refrigerator overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Mixing a bit of nutmeg into the ricotta cheese adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor of this Baked Ziti casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, just skip the meat and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
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