Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti (or broken lasagna noodles)

• 2 cups Hidden Foods Marinara pasta sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: fresh basil, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti (or broken lasagna noodles) and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.

3. Prep the ricotta layer (optional step but adds flavor):
   In a small bowl, stir the ricotta with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired. This makes it easier to spread or dollop during layering.

4. Assemble the baked ziti:

   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.

   • Add half of the cooked pasta.

   • Spoon or dollop half of the ricotta over the pasta.

   • Pour on half of the remaining marinara sauce.

   • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and a little Parmesan.

   • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

5. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil (to prevent sticking, tent the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheese). Bake for 30–40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

6. Cool and serve:
   Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before scooping or slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.