Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ziti:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the ziti pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.
- Sauté Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with garlic and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then add the cooked ziti pasta and mix to coat the pasta evenly with sauce.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Top with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.
- Bake:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy baked ziti!