This delicious cheesy ricotta filled baked ziti is the perfect cozy recipe. Packed full of Italian flavors, this recipe makes the best quick and tasty family dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
1poundZiti pasta
2Eggs
16ouncesRicotta cheese
2cupsMozzarella cheesediced or shredded, divided
1cupParmesan cheeseshredded and divided
1tablespoonItalian seasoning
1tablespoonParsley
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonpepper
2clovesGarlicminced
32ouncesMarinara sauce4 cups total, divided
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Start a large pot of salted water to boil.
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
Crack eggs into a large bowl then break yolks with a fork. Add ricotta cheese and mix well.
To the ricotta cheese add 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic. Mix the cheese mixture until combined.
Mix and toss the pasta in the ricotta mixture.
Spray a 9x13 baking dish lightly with oil, then add half of the marinara sauce (about 2 cups) to the bottom of the dish.
Add the cheesy pasta to the baking dish spreading it evenly in the dish.
Top the pasta with the remaining marinara sauce (2 cups), mozzarella (1 cup) and parmesan cheese (1/2 cup).
Cover with aluminum foil and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The sauce will be bubbling and the cheese on top will be melted and lightly browned. If the cheese is not quite melted and brown enough remove the foil and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes in the oven uncovered. Let stand for five minutes, then serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Other short noodle shapes can be substituted into this recipe, including rigatoni, fusilli, bowties, or penne.Garlic powder can be substituted for fresh garlic. You'll need 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.