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Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe

This irresistible Baked Ziti Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks! Creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese combine with perfectly cooked ziti for a comforting and flavorful dish. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy, baked pasta experience!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 258.6 kcal
Protein 28g
Rating 4.0 (7 Reviews)
Baked Ziti Casserole

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti Casserole

  • Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
  • Ziti Pasta
  • Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Meatless Sauce
  • Fresh Basil Leaf
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Parmesan Cheese

How to Make Baked Ziti Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Spray a 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
  4. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of marinara sauce, chopped basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and stir gently to combine.
  6. Pour the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the ziti mixture.
  8. Top with the remaining 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

23g

Carbs

10g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Casseroles Main Dish Eggs Dairy Pasta American Oven Easy European Potluck Dinner Party Romantic Italian Cheese One Dish Meal Comfort Food Midwestern Pasta Rice And Grains Taste Mood To Go Equipment Presentation Served Hot