Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
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1 lb ziti or penne pasta
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 egg (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta until just al dente (it’ll finish in the oven). Drain and set aside. -
Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. -
Combine with Sauce:
Add pasta and marinara sauce to the bowl and mix until coated and combined. -
Assemble:
Pour everything into a greased 9x13" baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. -
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips:
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Add ground beef or sausage if you want a heartier version.
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Sneak in some chopped spinach or zucchini if your kids won’t notice.
It’s melty, comforting, and reheats beautifully — perfect for the midweek slump.