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Homemade 30-Minute Baked Ziti with Ricotta Clouds recipe photo
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30-Minute Baked Ziti with Ricotta Clouds

This 30-Minute Baked Ziti with Ricotta Clouds is a quick, cheesy, comforting Italian bake perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy, Quick, Weeknight
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking turkey bacon or adding richness
  • 0.5 cup turkey bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti

  • Add the 8 ounces of ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Turkey Bacon

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup turkey bacon, diced or sliced, and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Skip this step if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Clouds

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until creamy and well blended.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • In the large pot or a mixing bowl, stir together the cooked ziti and 2 cups marinara sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

  • Layer half of the sauced ziti into your greased baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in spoonfuls, then sprinkle half of the cooked turkey bacon and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta clouds, turkey bacon, and mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then scoop and serve while warm.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish (8x8 inch or similar)
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven mitts and timer

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta before baking; al dente is key to preventing mushy baked ziti.
  • Drain excess liquid from the ricotta mixture if it’s too watery to keep the ricotta clouds fluffy.
  • Use a baking dish that fits the recipe closely to avoid layers spreading too thin and drying out.
  • Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.