This creamy baked ziti is like a warm hug in a casserole dish. Imagine layers of tender pasta enveloped in rich marinara sauce and an avalanche of gooey mozzarella cheese melting together in the oven. The aroma fills your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the dinner table faster than you can say “second helpings.”
It’s a chilly evening, and your friends have gathered for game night. You pull out this bubbling dish from the oven and watch their eyes widen with anticipation. Nothing says “welcome” quite like a hearty serving of baked ziti, am I right? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will make you the star of every gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked ziti is incredibly easy to prepare while delivering big flavors that please any crowd.
- The melty cheese on top creates a visually stunning finish that’s hard to resist.
- You can adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have at home.
- It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or delightful potlucks.
I still remember the first time I made baked ziti for my friends. The looks on their faces were priceless when they took their first bites; it was pure bliss!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti or penne for great texture that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce adds depth; homemade or store-bought works wonders.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta gives a luscious layer between the pasta and sauce; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts better and adds incredible flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a nutty kick; sprinkle generously on top before baking.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs add freshness; don’t skip this step for garnish right before serving!
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavors while keeping things moist during baking.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your ziti bakes evenly and reaches gooey perfection.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside while you work on the sauce.
Create the Cheesy Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth; this will be your creamy secret weapon.
Layer it Up!: In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta followed by half of the cheesy mixture. Repeat with more marinara sauce, remaining pasta, and top with more marinara.
Add That Melty Topping!: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over everything like confetti on New Year’s Eve! It’s about to get cheesy!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top!
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before digging in—trust me; you’ll want those layers intact when serving!
Baked ziti is not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with joy from start to finish! Enjoy every bite!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for busy weeknights.
- Experiment with different cheeses and sauces to personalize your dish.
- Fresh herbs can elevate flavors, adding a beautiful aroma and taste.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, sauté garlic and onions, then mix in your sauce. Combine everything with ricotta and mozzarella before baking for a gooey delight.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add seasonal veggies like spinach or zucchini. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick up the flavor if you like some heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that cheesy goodness returns!
The first time I made Baked Ziti, my friends devoured it faster than I could say “seconds”. Their smiles were worth every cheesy layer—definitely a recipe for future gatherings!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for Baked Ziti?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just be cautious while boiling to avoid overcooking!
How long should I bake Baked Ziti?
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
A simple green salad or garlic bread makes perfect side dishes to complement your Baked Ziti experience.
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. This crowd-pleaser combines ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce and creamy cheeses for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, salt, pepper, and half the mozzarella.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, half the pasta, and the ricotta mixture; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
