Three Cheese Ziti Bake

Oh yes—Three Cheese Ziti Bake is the ultimate comfort food: cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd 🍝🧀

Here’s a full, foolproof version:

Three Cheese Ziti Bake 🧀🍅

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta

• 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano, basil, thyme)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook Pasta
   Boil pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the Cheeses
   In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Toss cooked pasta with marinara sauce until coated. Add the cheese mixture and mix gently.

5. Assemble in Baking Dish
   Pour pasta into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top.

6. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Let it rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Pro Tips ✨

• Extra creaminess: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half to the ricotta mixture

• Add protein: Toss in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken

• Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini add nutrition and flavor

• Make ahead: Assemble, cover, refrigerate, and bake 30–35 min longer if cold from fridge

Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

• Gooey, cheesy comfort food

• Can feed a family or a potluck crowd

• Flexible—meat, veggies, or just cheese

• Freezer-friendly: freeze baked (before topping with mozzarella) for 2–3 months

I can also make a lighter version with less cheese but still melty, or a crispy-top version that rivals Italian restaurants if you want.