Baked Ziti

Ziti, lots of cheese, and marinara sauce make for the best baked ziti! Make this baked pasta with or without meat, either way it’s delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked ziti
• 1 32 ounce jar Marinara sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese 1 package softened
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and spray an 11×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package instructions (al dente/no salt), and drain.1 pound uncooked ziti
3. In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often.1 32 ounce jar Marinara sauce,8 ounces cream cheese
4. Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well.
5. Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheeses.16 ounces shredded mozzarella,½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6. Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.¼ cup chopped fresh basil
7. Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and cheese is golden.
10. Garnish with the remaining chopped basil and serve with toasted baguette.
11. Enjoy!