Description
This cheesy layered baked ziti is made with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a rich, crowd-pleasing baked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb dried ziti (or penne pasta)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 8–12 provolone cheese deli slices
Instructions
- Step: Preheat the oven to 375°F
- Step: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Step: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Step: Meanwhile, cook the pasta 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
- Step: In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of sugar if desired.
- Step: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Step: Drain the pasta and add half into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta and stir gently to coat. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top, then layer with 4 to 6 slices of provolone and half of the mozzarella.
- Step: In a large bowl or pasta pot, toss the remaining pasta with the remaining sauce. Spoon it over the first cheese layer, then top with the remaining ricotta mixture, provolone, and mozzarella. Make sure any exposed pasta is covered with sauce.
- Step: Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, if desired.
Notes
Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before slicing or scooping to help the layers settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1350 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta, cheesy pasta, dinner, baked pasta, Italian-American