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Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x9 Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces dry ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 9x9 baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot.
  • Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the drained pasta until evenly coated.
  • Add the ricotta cheese to the pot and mix until it is distributed through the ziti.
  • Spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan over the top.
  • Add the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a potluck, assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and bake it just before leaving so it arrives warm. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes. Leftovers reheat well in a 350-degree oven with a splash of extra marinara to keep the pasta moist.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Colander, Mixing Bowl, 9x9 Baking Dish