– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Follow these straightforward steps to create your Three Cheese Baked Ziti:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked ziti with marinara sauce until well coated.
5. Layer the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Then, layer half of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining ziti and cheese mixture.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the final layer to create a bubbly, cheesy top.
7. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven, allowing it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Following these simple instructions will guide you through making this delightful dish with ease.