Description
A creamy, rich, and easy-to-make gluten-free baked ziti using whole milk ricotta and jarred marinara. This weeknight-friendly casserole is hearty, crowd-pleasing, and takes under 45 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) Gluten-Free Ziti or Penne
- 15 oz (425g) Whole Milk Ricotta
- 2 cups (200g) Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 24 oz (680g) High-Quality Jarred Marinara Sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- Optional: 1 cup Cooked Italian Sausage, crumbled
- Optional: 2 cups Fresh Spinach
- Optional: ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mince garlic and grate mozzarella cheese. Prep any optional add-ins like sausage or spinach.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free ziti 1-2 minutes less than al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, warm marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta with half of the shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Drain pasta and add to the skillet with the warm sauce. Toss to coat, then fold in the ricotta mixture. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture looks too dry.
- Spread half the pasta mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half the remaining mozzarella and parmesan (if using).
- Top with the rest of the pasta mixture and remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the gluten-free pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess and shred your own mozzarella to avoid anti-caking agents. Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: gluten-free baked ziti, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, whole milk ricotta, gluten-free comfort food, family dinner