Description
A creamy, cheesy, and easy weeknight baked pasta dish that uses ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Ziti or Penne Pasta
- 15 ounces (425g) Full-fat Ricotta Cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 24 ounces (680g) Marinara Sauce
- 16 ounces (450g) Low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Drain the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve for 10-15 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained ricotta, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, undercooking by 1-2 minutes. Drain (do not rinse) and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red pepper flakes if using. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and hot marinara sauce. Toss to coat.
- Fold in the ricotta mixture gently to create pockets of cheese throughout.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Drain the ricotta thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set for cleaner slices. You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square slice
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta casserole, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, Italian dinner, cheesy pasta