Four Cheese Baked Ziti

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. 4 In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom.
5. 5 Layer half the ziti over the sauce, followed by half the cheese mixture and another 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
6. 6 Repeat layers with remaining ziti and cheese mixture, ending with a layer of marinara sauce.
7. 7 Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. 8 Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. 9 Let stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• aluminum foil

Variations

• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a veggie twist.

Substitutions

• If ricotta isn't available, use an extra 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a robust red wine like Chianti or a refreshing Italian lager.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté minced garlic in olive oil before stirring into the ricotta mixture.
• This ziti tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

FAQ