Print

No-Boil Baked Ziti Recipe

No-Boil Baked Ziti Recipe
Print Recipe

This No-Boil Baked Ziti Recipe offers a comforting and family-friendly Italian classic with minimal prep time. It features layers of uncooked ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheeses. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal saves time by skipping the boiling step and delivers hearty, cheesy, and flavorful results that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • Uncooked dried ziti pasta – 1 pound (about 450g)
  • Marinara sauce – 4 cups (about 960ml)
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic, finely chopped – 3 cloves
  • Onion, finely chopped – 1 medium
  • Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend) – 2 teaspoons

Cheese Mixture

  • Ricotta cheese – 1 1/2 cups (about 375g)
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, divided (about 200g)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – 3/4 cup, divided (about 75g)
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Olive oil – 1 teaspoon (small splash for ricotta mixture)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, then simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, half (about 3/8 cup) of grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease a deep large baking dish. Add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta to cover the bottom. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the pasta evenly. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce in spoonfuls, spreading gently. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta mixture, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and remaining grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer for a bubbly, golden crust.
  5. Bake and Serve: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Use a deep baking dish to prevent sauce from bubbling over and to ensure even pasta cooking.
  • Distribute sauce and cheese mixtures evenly to achieve balanced flavors in every bite.
  • Let the baked ziti rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
  • Covering with foil during the initial baking keeps moisture in, fully cooking the pasta.
  • Choosing a quality marinara sauce significantly enhances the dish’s flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, no-boil pasta, Italian comfort food, family dinner, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/no-boil-baked-ziti-recipe/