The aroma of melted cheese wafting through the air, mingling with the tangy notes of marinara sauce, is enough to make any pasta lover weak in the knees. Baked ziti is the dish that hugs your taste buds and wraps you in a cozy blanket of comfort food bliss. Pizza Monkey Bread You can practically hear the angels singing as the golden cheese bubbles and browns to perfection in the oven.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of pasta is best for Baked Ziti?
- Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
- How do I prevent Baked Ziti from drying out?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a chilly family gathering where everyone’s laughing and sharing stories while digging into generous portions of baked ziti. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. With every gooey bite, you’ll experience nostalgia, perhaps recalling evenings spent at Grandma’s house or celebrations filled with love and laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked ziti is easy to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero
- Its rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
- The vibrant layers create an eye-catching dish perfect for gatherings
- It’s versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or proteins!
I still remember the first time I made baked ziti; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary rockstar!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ziti Pasta: Opt for tubular pasta that holds sauce well; al dente texture is key for perfect baked ziti. Creamy Cajun Pasta.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality sauce for robust flavor; homemade or store-bought works great!
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; look for fresh varieties for optimal flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella for stretchy goodness; it melts beautifully on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan lends a nutty finish; don’t skip this vital topping!
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil enhances flavor; use fresh if available.
Ground Beef or Sausage (optional): Browned meat can be added for extra protein and flavor; turkey works too! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Italian Sausage Tomato Pasta recipe.
Fresh Basil (for garnish): Brightens up the dish with flavor and color; sprinkle just before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Ziti Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Your Meat (if using): In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat for a healthier option.
Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce with your meat, letting it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine Cheeses: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning and half of your mozzarella cheese. Cajun Steak Cheesy Rigatoni This cheesy blend will create delightful layers throughout your baked ziti.
Layer It Up: Spread some marinara mixture on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Follow with half of the cooked ziti, dollops of ricotta mixture, then more marinara sauce. Repeat layers finishing off with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let your masterpiece rest for 10 minutes before serving—this will help all those cheesy layers stay intact when you slice into it!
Enjoy each mouthful as you reminisce about cozy meals shared with loved ones—baked ziti truly is food that warms both belly and soul!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti is a hearty dish that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen
- With layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- The aromas while baking will make anyone’s stomach growl
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta while you prepare the sauce. Mix the ingredients seamlessly and layer with cheese before baking for a bubbly finish.
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 leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a creamy texture, mix cheeses instead of using just one kind
- Letting ziti rest before serving enhances flavor melding
- Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!
Baked Ziti holds a special place in my heart; it was the first dish I ever cooked for friends. Crack Chicken Lasagna Their delighted faces made me realize I might be onto something delicious!
FAQ
What type of pasta is best for Baked Ziti?
Ziti pasta works best, but penne or rigatoni can also be used effectively. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Sausage Rigatoni recipe.
Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
How do I prevent Baked Ziti from drying out?
Adding extra sauce and covering it with foil during baking helps retain moisture.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. With its warm, inviting aroma and hearty flavor, every bite will have you reminiscing about cherished moments spent around the dinner table. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- If using, brown ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce into the meat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning and half of the mozzarella.
- In a greased baking dish, layer marinara mixture, half the ziti, dollops of ricotta mix, and more marinara; repeat layers finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
