Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for Family Nights

There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of baked ziti. Picture this: layers of tender pasta enveloped in rich marinara sauce, crowned with golden cheese that stretches tantalizingly as you pull it from the oven. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm embrace! Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family get-together, baked ziti never fails to impress.

The first time I made baked ziti was during a particularly ambitious dinner party where I wanted to show off my culinary skills. Spoiler alert: I didn’t just impress my friends; I nearly set off smoke alarms with my overzealous cheese usage! But hey, who doesn’t love cheese? Now it’s become my go-to recipe for any occasion that calls for a hearty meal.

Sharing this dish with friends always elicits happy faces and satisfied bellies!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium ziti for the best sauce adherence; cooked al dente gives a nice texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it sets the flavor foundation.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta blends perfectly with marinara; opt for whole milk varieties for richness.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully; buy pre-shredded for convenience if you’re in a hurry.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory note; freshly grated yields the best flavor.
• Fresh Basil: A handful of torn basil leaves brightens up the dish; use it fresh for maximum aroma.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance flavor depth; mince finely to release their aromatic oils.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil elevates everything; choose extra virgin for the best taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Boil water in a large pot and add salt before adding your ziti pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute should do! Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer gently—this is where magic happens as flavors meld beautifully.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt and pepper—this will be your creamy layer of goodness! Stir until smooth like jazz on Sunday morning. Mix half of your mozzarella into the ricotta mixture for added cheesiness.

Once the pasta has cooled slightly, mix it into the marinara sauce until evenly coated. Now it’s assembly time! In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom followed by dollops of ricotta mixture spread evenly on top.

Cover with remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle generously with leftover mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Pop that beauty into your preheated oven! Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden brown on top—about 25-30 minutes should do it!

When you remove your masterpiece from the oven, let it cool slightly before serving; trust me on this one! Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves—because who doesn’t want Instagram-worthy food?

Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in joyfully. Baked ziti is even better when paired with a green salad or some crusty bread—a complete meal!

Now that you’ve mastered this classic baked ziti recipe, why not experiment? Try adding sautéed vegetables or different types of cheese based on what you have at hand—get creative!

Enjoy making memories around this delightful dish; it’s sure to become part of many future gatherings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While that cooks, prepare your sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish, and top it off with lots of cheese before baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer something lighter. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers 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, about 20 minutes.

Sometimes I think back to the first time I made Baked Ziti for friends; they devoured it like it was going out of style! Their laughter and compliments made my day unforgettable.

FAQ

What can I use instead of ricotta in Baked Ziti?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a unique twist on texture and flavor.

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent my Baked Ziti from drying out?

Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to retain moisture, removing it towards the end for browning.

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Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that brings warmth to any family gathering. With layers of ziti, marinara, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
2. Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente; drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for flavor integration.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta with salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in half of the mozzarella.
6. Combine cooked ziti with marinara sauce in a large bowl.
7. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, followed by dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
8. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
•  Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg