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A high-quality food photograph of a freshly baked pasta casserole in a navy blue ceramic baking dish. The dish contains wide pasta noodles in a rich red tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh green basil leaves scattered across the surface. The pasta is garnished with fresh basil leaves and finely chopped parsley. In the background, there is a white plate with two slices of toasted garlic bread with melted cheese. The scene is set on a white marble countertop with subtle gray veining. A white cloth napkin and silver utensils are partially visible on the right side of the frame. The lighting is warm and natural, coming from a window on the right side, creating soft shadows and highlighting the glossy surface of the melted cheese. The composition is shot from a slightly elevated angle, with the baking dish positioned diagonally in the frame.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

This cheesy baked ziti is loaded with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, layered between perfectly cooked pasta and tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Baking Dish For layering and baking the ziti
  • Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients
  • Large pot For boiling the pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta cooked al dente
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of ziti, followed by a layer of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add ground beef, sausage, or veggies to the sauce.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Keyword baked ziti, cheesy pasta, easy baked ziti
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