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A steaming dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Quick way to grow the best Baked Ziti in 20 minutes.

This recipe provides a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious Baked Ziti in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl with the cheese mixture, then pour in half of the marinara sauce and mix well.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish, then top with the remaining marinara sauce.
  3. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serving
  1. Let stand for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce. Make sure to adjust baking time accordingly if adding meat.