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Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Meal Prep

Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Meal Prep - featured image
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A quick and comforting baked ziti recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring layers of cheesy ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for meal prep with simple ingredients and flexible variations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 ½ cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 g) ziti and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside—do not rinse.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (if using), and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, stir the cooked ziti with the warm marinara sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread half of the sauced pasta evenly in the dish, dollop half the ricotta mixture over it, and sprinkle with 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce stick better. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melt and texture. Mixing egg into ricotta helps bind the cheese mixture. If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, meal prep, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-cheesy-baked-ziti-meal-prep-5-perfect-recipes-for-busy-weeknights/