INGREDIENTS
1 pound 454 grams of uncooked pasta, such as penne, ziti, rotini, or rigatoni
4 cups 946 ml of marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought
½ cup 56 grams of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 container 15 ounces or 425 grams of ricotta cheese
2 cups 226 grams of shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by cooking the pasta in generously salted water for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pour 2 cups (473 ml) of marinara sauce into the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Add half of the cooked pasta and toss it gently to coat it with the sauce.
Sprinkle ¼ cup (28 grams) of Parmesan cheese over the pasta and spoon half of the ricotta cheese in dollops on top. Sprinkle 1 cup (113 grams) of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the center is bubbly and thoroughly heated.
Allow the Italian Bake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to set.
NOTES
Remember to cook the pasta slightly less than the recommended time to maintain its texture when baking.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your preferences. A combination of mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina can add an extra layer of flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.