Easy Cheesy Ziti

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Cheesy Ziti recipe! Perfectly al dente ziti pasta is layered with a rich marinara sauce, a creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, and gently seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of black pepper. This crowd-pleasing casserole is baked to golden, bubbly perfection in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck favorite. Simple yet incredibly indulgent, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm for an unforgettable cheesy delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce in the baking dish. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce over the ricotta mixture.

Step 6

Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, ricotta mixture, and another cup of marinara sauce.

Step 7

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your Easy Cheesy Ziti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1637.2 grams (1637.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2948

Total Fat 123.00g	158%
Saturated Fat 64.10g	320%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 611mg	204%
Sodium 5277mg	229%
Total Carbohydrate 303.80g	110%
Dietary Fiber 24.50g	88%
Total Sugars 26.50g
Protein 171.50g	343%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 3662mg	282%
Iron 15mg	85%
Potassium 363mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.8%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 40.4%