Three Cheese Baked Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Baked Ziti—a hearty casserole dish that's loaded with layers of flavor and cheesy goodness. Al dente ziti pasta is coated in a rich marinara sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Seasoned with garlic, basil, oregano, and a hint of black pepper, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying balance of savory and cheesy notes in every bite. Perfect for feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this crowd-pleasing baked ziti comes together in just under an hour and is ideal for meal prep or leftovers. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a restaurant-quality Italian feast right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 32 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

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 and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and stir. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan, the egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 5

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the remaining marinara sauce, and the ricotta cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with foil (sprayed lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2173.6 grams (2173.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3807

Total Fat 160.60g	206%
Saturated Fat 78.50g	393%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.10g
Cholesterol 697mg	232%
Sodium 5729mg	249%
Total Carbohydrate 407.80g	148%
Dietary Fiber 32.50g	116%
Total Sugars 35.50g
Protein 207.30g	415%

Vitamin D 48IU	240%
Calcium 4462mg	343%
Iron 21mg	114%
Potassium 583mg	12%

*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: 37.0%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 41.8%