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Cozy Baked Ziti

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A warm, cheesy baked ziti recipe perfect for chilly October nights, combining tender pasta, rich marinara, and creamy ricotta for ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of ziti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine, then add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, stir 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese into the warm sauce mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce-ricotta mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella over the layer, then add the remaining pasta on top. Finish with another 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella and ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Optionally broil for 2 minutes for a crispier crust, watching carefully.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top.
  10. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven. Stir ricotta into warm sauce to avoid clumps. Toss pasta with olive oil after draining to prevent sticking. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor. Let baked ziti rest before serving to set and maintain slices. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, October recipe, cozy meal, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-perfect-comfort-food-for-october-nights/