3 Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

This decadent 3 Cheese Baked Ziti recipe, inspired by a Ragu ad, will become your new family favorite! Creamy ricotta, sharp parmesan, and melty mozzarella combine with perfectly cooked ziti and rich pasta sauce for a comforting and irresistible baked pasta dish. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 436.5 kcal
Protein 43g
Rating 3.5 (2 Reviews)
3 Cheese Baked Ziti

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for 3 Cheese Baked Ziti

  • Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 24 ounces your favorite pasta sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make 3 Cheese Baked Ziti

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, and 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a separate large bowl, gently combine the hot cooked ziti and pasta sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated.
  4. Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
  5. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
  6. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
  7. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
  10. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with extra pasta sauce on the side.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

29 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

30g

Carbs

19g

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