Shortcut Baked Ziti Recipe
This easy Shortcut Baked Ziti is made with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato sauce with no layering required.
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Mezzi Rigatoni Pasta, cooked to al dente and drained
- 32 Oz Jar Tomato Sauce
- 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, hand shredded
- 15 Oz Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Fresh Parsley, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce (reserve ½ a cup to layer the baking dish), ricotta cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a little extra dried oregano. Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the cooked and drained pasta to the bowl and gently stir until every piece is evenly coated with the tomato sauce and cheese mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of reserved tomato sauce along the bottom of a 9 x 13" baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a little additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is hot and bubbly. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.