Baked Ziti
A vegetarian version of this popular dish that combines marinara sauce with ricotta and Parmesan cheeses to create a creamy sauce that evenly covers the pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or other large tube shaped pasta
- 2 cups marinara tomato sauce
- 15 ounces part skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara tomato sauce
- 8 ounces part skim mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- Place the oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350 degrees F.
- Use a 6 qt pot to cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cool water.
- In the now empty pot add 2 cups of marinara sauce, ricotta and Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Stir until combined. Return the pasta to the pot with the cheese and marinara sauce mixture and stir, without breaking up the pasta, until well combined.
- Pour the entire mixture into 13" by 9" baking pan or dish. Pour remaining 2 cups of marinara sauce over ziti mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle evenly with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake approximately 20 - 25 minutes uncovered, until hot and bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Can be made earlier in the day and baked just in time to serve. If it is refrigerated prior to baking, the baking time will be extended.