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Irresistible Meatless Baked Ziti

This hearty meatless dish combines creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce enveloping al dente ziti pasta for a delightful family meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz ziti pasta Can be substituted with penne or rigatoni.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce or pesto.
Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Can be substituted with cottage cheese.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • Fresh for garnish basil Adds freshness to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the drained ziti with marinara sauce, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Layering and Baking
  1. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over it.
  2. Top with the remaining pasta and the rest of the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan on top.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Consider adding vegetables for extra nutrition.