To begin, you will need to gather your ingredients. You will need pasta (ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli work well), marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare your sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now it’s time to assemble your gratin! In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked pasta on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese. Repeat this process until you have used up all of your ingredients, ending with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Once the gratin is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
To add an extra touch of flavor to your baked pasta and ricotta gratin, garnish it with fresh basil leaves before serving. The fragrant herb pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
This gratin is a fantastic meal to serve for a family dinner or when having guests over. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a classic comfort food that will satisfy everyone’s cravings for Italian cuisine.
In conclusion, baked pasta and ricotta gratin is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its perfect combination of pasta, tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, it’s a classic comfort food that you will turn to time and time again. So, why not give this dish a try tonight and discover why it’s become such a beloved favorite of Italian cuisine?