Cheesy Baked Ziti with Mild Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups mild marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a 6-quart pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Cook the ziti in the boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

   9:00 · Boil pasta
3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

   4:00 · Cook onion
4. 4

   Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and simmer for 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Simmer sauce
5. 5

   In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, and half of the basil until smooth.

6. 6

   Add the cooked ziti and half of the marinara sauce to the ricotta mixture and toss to combine.

7. 7

   Spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

8. 8

   Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

9. 9

   Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 25 minutes.

   25:00 · Bake covered
10. 10

    Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted and golden in spots, about 15 minutes.

    15:00 · Bake uncovered
11. 11

    Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining basil.

    10:00 · Rest before serving