Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is a warm embrace from the oven that teases your taste buds with its cheesy goodness and savory tomato sauce. Picture this: tender pasta enveloped in a luscious blanket of melted cheese, bubbling away until it’s golden perfection—who could resist? It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to dive face-first into the casserole dish like a cartoon character.

I first encountered baked ziti at a friend’s potluck. It was love at first bite. The flavors danced on my palate while my friends debated whether to save some for later or just keep going. Spoiler alert: we devoured it all! This dish is perfect for family gatherings or those cozy nights when all you want is something comforting and delicious.

I remember serving this delightful dish at a family gathering; everyone raved about how good it was.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium-sized pasta tubes that hold sauce beautifully; try whole grain for extra fiber.
• Olive Oil: A splash of quality olive oil enhances flavor and prevents sticking; don’t skimp here!
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought variety or homemade for an authentic taste; I prefer low-sodium options.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; mix in an egg for extra creaminess if desired.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go heavy on the mozzarella for that gooey texture everyone loves; fresh mozzarella can elevate the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty kick and depth of flavor; always use freshly grated if possible.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend brings aromatic herbs together; feel free to add fresh basil or oregano if available.
• Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance all the flavors in your dish; don’t forget to taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and fill it with water; add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil and toss in the ziti pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—aim for about 8-10 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot while still warm. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking as you stir in half of the marinara sauce along with salt and pepper—this will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of your mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy and inviting—don’t be afraid to taste-test!

Now comes the fun part! In an oiled baking dish (a 9×13 inch works great), layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce. Then scoop out dollops of that dreamy ricotta mixture evenly across the top before repeating with another layer of pasta followed by marinara.

Top off this glorious creation with the remaining mozzarella cheese—you want that cheesy crust! Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes have passed, carefully remove the foil allowing that bubbly goodness beneath to show off its golden glory! Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese bubbles up like molten lava—this is where dreams come true!

Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving—trust me; it’s worth the wait as it allows everything to settle into delicious harmony.

Cut yourself a slice (or two) and serve with garlic bread or salad on the side. Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from friends who’ll think you’ve mastered culinary wizardry!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta al dente, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. Layer everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

I still remember the first time I made Baked Ziti; my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a bite! Their compliments made me realize how special this dish can be for gatherings.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for Baked Ziti?

Ziti or penne pasta works best due to their hollow shapes that catch sauce.

Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate before baking when you’re ready.

What are some good side dishes for Baked Ziti?

Garlic bread and a fresh green salad are perfect companions to enhance your meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Baked Ziti

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Baked Ziti is a cheesy, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With layers of pasta, marinara, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to satisfy!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt and cook ziti for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
2. Stir in olive oil, half of the marinara sauce, salt, and pepper into the warm pasta.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. In an oiled baking dish (9×13 inch), layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the remaining marinara. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat with remaining pasta and marinara.
5. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

•  Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.
•  Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
•  Let leftovers cool before storing in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg