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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a quick, comforting, and rich pasta casserole that combines creamy cheeses, flavorful marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under an hour, it’s an indulgent yet easy one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta

Sauce and Cheese Mixture

  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly to prevent overcooking in the oven.
  2. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring the mixture is rich and cohesive.
  3. Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce to evenly coat every piece. This infuses the noodles with savory tomato flavor and keeps the dish moist throughout baking.
  4. Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sauced pasta. Dollop the cheese mixture evenly over it. Repeat with the remaining pasta and spread the remaining mozzarella on top to create a bubbly, golden crust.
  5. Bake and serve: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown beautifully. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente ziti prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier, richer cheese layer.
  • Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and moisture.
  • Let the baked ziti rest before serving to help it firm up and slice nicely.
  • Mix cheeses well to balance creaminess and flavor complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, Italian casserole, easy dinner, family-friendly pasta, Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti/