Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

This classic baked ziti recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, this dish is simple to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the ricotta mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Spread half of the ziti mixture on top of the sauce, then sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, ziti mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and cover the baking dish with foil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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