Description
A comforting no-boil baked ziti recipe that saves time by skipping the noodle boiling step, featuring rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy, fuss-free Italian-inspired pasta dish delivers classic flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb uncooked ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh garlic, 2 cloves minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients to have them ready for layering and assembly.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy for even texture.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the uncooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ensuring all noodles are coated evenly to allow the pasta to absorb moisture and soften while baking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the sauced pasta, dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake until Bubbling: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets well and is easier to slice and serve. This helps meld the flavors and improves texture.
Notes
- Use a saucy marinara to ensure the pasta cooks properly while baking.
- Cover the dish during baking to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
- Use an oven-safe ceramic or glass baking dish for even heat distribution.
- Resting the dish before serving makes slicing easier and flavors more harmonious.
- Adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley before serving brightens the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg