Baked Ziti

Why Make This Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food that combines warm, cheesy goodness with a rich marinara sauce. It is loved by families and friends, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella create a delightful texture, while the herbs and marinara add layers of flavor. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Making baked ziti is simple and enjoyable. With just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty meal that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma. This recipe takes advantage of pasta’s accessibility and the universally loved flavors of cheese and tomato. Even if you’re short on time, this dish can be whipped up quickly, making it an ideal quick dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
5. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and a layer of marinara sauce.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/8 of the recipe):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 23g

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving! You can enjoy it as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For special occasions, serve it with a nice glass of red wine and a side of roasted vegetables. Garnishing with extra fresh basil or grated Parmesan just before serving adds a lovely touch!

How to Store Baked Ziti

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but possible!), you can store baked ziti in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze it for longer storage; it will keep well for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

• To add more flavor, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the layers.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or provolone, for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Always ensure the pasta is al dente before layering, as it will continue to cook while baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Substitute the marinara sauce with a roasted red pepper sauce and add your favorite vegetables.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: For those who love a kick, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Pesto Baked Ziti: Mix in pesto instead of marinara for a fresh herby flavor that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ziti is traditional, any tubular pasta such as penne or rigatoni works well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.

3. How can I make baked ziti healthier?
You can swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or use whole grain pasta to boost the fiber content. Incorporating more vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, can also add nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Baked ziti is a warm, comforting dish that brings joy to any table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress with its cheesy layers and rich sauce. With its easy preparation and endless customization options, it’s a recipe worth trying. Get creative, invite friends or family over, and enjoy this delicious homemade baked ziti together! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below – we’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting dish that combines ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of creamy cheeses. It's perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 1 pound ziti pasta Any tubular pasta can be used.
• 2 cups marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.

Cheeses

• 3 cups ricotta cheese For a creamier texture.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For a melty topping.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nice flavor to the top.

Egg and Herbs

• 2 large eggs Bind the mixture together.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Can substitute with dried herbs.
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust per personal preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper.

Layering

1. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and a layer of marinara sauce.
3. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish is versatile. You can mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach. For variations, try substituting marinara with roasted red pepper sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.