Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, a pasta dish that brings together gooey cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles in a delicious embrace. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bubbles away in the oven, inviting everyone to gather around and dig in. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Whether it’s a family gathering, game night, or just an ordinary Tuesday that needs some pizzazz, Baked Ziti is the dish that never disappoints. You can almost hear it calling your name, promising a taste explosion with each cheesy forkful. Homemade Margherita Pizza Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Ziti recipe is simple enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for gatherings.
- The flavor layers create a delightful experience in every bite.
- It looks gorgeous when served hot from the oven, bubbling and golden brown.
- Perfect as leftovers too; the flavors only get better!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Look for medium-sized ziti; it holds sauces well and ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or make your own for a fresher flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; opt for whole milk ricotta for the best texture. Creamy Turkey Tetrazzini.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for part-skim mozzarella to get that perfect gooeyness without being overly greasy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This salty cheese brings depth; freshly grated is always best if you can manage it.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil leaves to add brightness and flavor; dried basil works in a pinch but lacks freshness.
For the Meat (Optional):
- Ground Beef or Sausage: If you want to add protein, brown about one pound of meat before mixing it into the sauce.
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
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you’re at it, grab a large baking dish and coat it with nonstick spray so nothing sticks later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions—about eight minutes should do it. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix Your Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and some grated Parmesan. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until creamy and delightful—like a cheesy hug!
Step 4: Assemble Your Dish
Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Now dollop spoonfuls of your cheese mixture on top before adding more ziti. Pour on remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (to avoid excessive browning) and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove foil and allow it to bake uncovered for another ten minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Let it cool slightly before serving because molten cheese can be deceiving! Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Dig into this cheesy masterpiece with friends or family—just remember to save some leftovers if you can resist!
Now that you have this classic Baked Ziti recipe at your fingertips, get ready to impress everyone at dinner time! Whether you make it ahead or whip it up last minute, this comforting dish will surely earn rave reviews from all who take a bite. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly combines hearty pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese.
- This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
- You can easily make it your own by adding veggies or proteins.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente while you prepare the rich marinara sauce. Sauté garlic and onions, then stir in crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Mix everything with the pasta and cheese, layer it up, and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional ingredients with your favorites! Add spinach for a nutrient boost or swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in sausage or mushrooms for added flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings but expect a slightly softer texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use plenty of salt when cooking pasta; it enhances the overall flavor of your dish.
- Layer cheese generously for that melty goodness everyone loves.
- Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set perfectly!
Sharing this recipe with friends always brings laughter around the table as they fight over who gets the last cheesy bite. It’s moments like these that make cooking worthwhile!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Baked Ziti?
For a delicious Baked Ziti, you will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ground beef or Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs such as basil and oregano. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. This comforting dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients while keeping the core components intact. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Garlic Shrimp Recipe recipe.
How long does it take to bake Baked Ziti?
Baked Ziti typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). If you prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking, increase the baking time by about 15 minutes. Ensure that the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for the best results. Cooking times may vary based on your oven and the depth of your dish, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This method allows flavors to meld together beautifully while saving you time on busy days.
Is Baked Ziti suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Baked Ziti freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
Conclusion for Baked Ziti :
Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that combines hearty pasta with rich sauces and cheeses. With simple ingredients like ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this dish provides warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Preparing it ahead of time or freezing leftovers adds convenience to your meal planning. Whether you’re serving family or friends, Baked Ziti is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and ease of preparation. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser any night of the week!
Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a delicious blend of cheeses into one hearty dish. This easy-to-make recipe fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and guarantees a satisfying meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. With its gooey cheese topping and layered flavors, this Baked Ziti will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the ziti. Add dollops of the cheese mixture and repeat layers.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, sauté garlic and onions before mixing them into the sauce. - You can customize your Baked Ziti by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. - Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
