Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
500 g (1 lb) ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and ricotta cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Tip:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
