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Baked Pasta with Ricotta: A Deliciously Creamy Recipe to Try Today

  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This creamy baked pasta dish features al dente pasta mixed with a rich ricotta and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for family gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
  4. Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan into the ricotta mixture.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce until well coated.
  6. Gently fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta and sauce until evenly distributed.
  7. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
  8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Spoon extra marinara sauce over the first layer of pasta.
  10. Pour the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  13. Bake for 25 minutes.
  14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  15. Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  16. Optionally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
  17. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
  • Feel free to add cooked vegetables or ground meat to the pasta mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

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Find it online: https://butdelicious.com/baked-pasta-with-ricotta/