Baked Ziti With Three Cheeses
This Baked Ziti With Three Cheeses is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake with tender turkey and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta tubular pasta that holds sauce perfectly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing and flavor
- 1 pound ground turkey a lean, flavorful protein base
- 1 medium onion chopped, adds sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic minced, essential aromatic punch
- 24 ounces marinara sauce rich tomato base
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese creamy and slightly tangy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese melty and gooey
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese nutty, sharp accent
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano classic Italian herb
- 1 teaspoon dried basil sweet, fragrant herb
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese adds a smoky, mild sharpness
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of ziti pasta and cook until just al dente—about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the 1 pound of ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Pour in the 24 ounces of marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the entire dish with 1 cup shredded provolone cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Spoon or spatula
Notes
- Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Swap ground turkey for beef, lamb, or plant-based alternatives to vary the flavor.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
- Let the baked ziti rest before serving to let the cheese set nicely.
