Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, a bubbly, cheesy delight that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: layers of al dente pasta smothered in a rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella melting into a warm embrace, and a sprinkle of Parmesan that adds just the right amount of pizzazz. It’s like a cozy hug for your stomach on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this Cooking tips for pasta recipe.
Every time I whip up Baked Ziti, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and plates were piled high. Whether it was a Sunday dinner or an unexpected visit from friends, this dish always made an appearance. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Just wait until you savor that first bite—you’ll be hooked! For more inspiration, check out this Main dish recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy Baked Ziti recipe combines convenience with flavor, making weeknight dinners stress-free and satisfying
- The balance of creamy cheeses and tangy sauce creates an irresistible flavor bomb
- Visually appealing layers of pasta and melted cheese make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with your favorite ingredients or leftovers, ensuring no two zitis are ever the same!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ziti Pasta: About 1 pound is perfect; choose whole wheat for added nutrition or traditional ziti for classic flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use about 3 cups of your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for authentic Italian flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: One container (15 ounces) adds creaminess; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: About 3 cups gives that gooey goodness we all love; feel free to mix in some provolone for variety.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A half cup adds depth; freshly grated will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Egg: One large egg helps bind the ricotta mixture and gives structure to your baked goodness.
Fresh Basil: About half a cup chopped adds a burst of freshness; dried basil works in a pinch if fresh isn’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring that water to a boil—this is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add your ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain it and set aside while you create your cheesy masterpiece.
Step 3: Mix Up Your Cheesy Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of your mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper as you mix—this is where flavor starts brewing!
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
In a baking dish (a trusty 9×13 inch will do), spread about one cup of marinara sauce at the bottom. Add half of your cooked ziti on top followed by half of your cheesy mixture. Repeat these layers with remaining ziti and sauce until everything is used up!
Step 5: Top It Off
Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella on top along with a dash more Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. This layer will turn golden brown as it bakes—yum!
Step 6: Bake Away!
Cover with foil (to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for around 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara or garnish with more basil for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about when you first fell in love with Baked Ziti—it’s truly hard not to smile while indulging in this classic dish!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate
- This crowd-pleaser combines layers of cheesy goodness with zesty marinara, making it perfect for gatherings
- Best part?
- It’s easy to whip up and even easier to devour!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare your ingredients. Cook the pasta until al dente, then make your sauce. Combine the pasta with the sauce and cheese, layer in a baking dish, and let your oven do the magic.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry. Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a kick. The options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cheesy Baked Ziti, use a blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses
- Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be slightly firm before baking
- Lastly, let it cool slightly before serving to avoid molten cheese disasters!
Baked Ziti always reminds me of my college days when I would host dinner parties. My friends would devour the entire tray in minutes and ask for seconds. Their delighted faces made all those cheesy layers worthwhile!
FAQs :
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that features pasta, typically ziti, mixed with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. This comforting casserole is baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a favorite for family dinners and gatherings due to its rich flavor and hearty texture. Often served with garlic bread or a side salad, Baked Ziti is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
How do I store leftover Baked Ziti?
To store leftover Baked Ziti, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I customize my Baked Ziti recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Baked Ziti is its versatility. You can customize it by adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a meatier option, include ground beef or Italian sausage. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or parmesan to enhance the flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you add more ingredients.
Is Baked Ziti a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, Baked Ziti is an excellent choice for meal prep! Its flavors develop even further after sitting overnight, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week. You can prepare a large batch and divide it into individual servings for easy reheating later. This dish holds up well in both the refrigerator and freezer, ensuring you have a delicious homemade meal ready whenever you need one.
Conclusion for Baked Ziti :
Baked Ziti is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines pasta with rich sauces and cheeses, making it ideal for any occasion. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily prepare this comforting meal at home. Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours. Whether serving it at family gatherings or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, Baked Ziti is sure to please everyone at your table.
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. This easy-to-make dish features layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta enveloped in a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, it delivers irresistible flavors that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. With its versatility, you can customize it using your favorite ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot and cook ziti pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread one cup of marinara sauce at the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti followed by half of the cheesy mixture. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
