Golden Cheese-Pull Baked Ziti 🧀🍝
Golden Cheese-Pull Baked Ziti is a decadent pasta dish that combines al dente ziti noodles with rich marinara sauce and an indulgent blend of cheeses, creating a glorious, gooey cheese pull with every serving. Topped with a crispy golden crust, it's a comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti pasta uncooked
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup ricotta cheese for creaminess
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, for topping
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated, for flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and dried oregano, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
Tip 1: For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the ziti mixture.
Tip 2: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variation: Try adding sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed version.
Tip 2: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variation: Try adding sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed version.