Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish combining cheesy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara sauce. This easy recipe layers tender al dente ziti with a flavorful cheese mixture, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion, it offers a classic Italian-American taste with a luscious texture and delightful herb garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a large baking dish. Add the cooked pasta on top, then spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta. Gently mix to combine the pasta and cheese evenly.
- Layer Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta and cheese layer, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce layer to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
- Rest: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top if desired to add a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or marinara sauce.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Cooking pasta just until al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking makes it easier to cut and serve.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead and refrigerate it uncovered before baking for convenience.
