This dish is like a warm hug on a plate; the gooey cheese pulls apart as you dig in, while rich tomato sauce dances with perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes to golden perfection. You’ll be left drooling long before it’s time to serve!
Gather ‘round the table and let the laughter roll as you dish out this comforting classic; it’s not just a meal but an experience filled with chatter and smiles. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a joyous family gathering, Baked Ziti brings everyone together—just try to keep those leftovers for tomorrow!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Baked Ziti recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- The layers of cheese create an irresistible melty texture that everyone will adore
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins
- It’s an all-in-one meal that guarantees satisfaction!
I’ll never forget the first time I made Baked Ziti; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for my “secret” recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose tubular pasta like ziti or penne for maximum sauce-holding capabilities.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for a personal touch.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it blends beautifully into the layers.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives the best melt; don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings depth to the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For added aroma and taste; fresh garlic works wonders too!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Fresh Basil (optional): Add this at the end for an aromatic finish; it brightens up the dish beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—around 8-10 minutes should do. Drain the pasta but save some pasta water!
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is evenly coated—this is where magic starts happening!
Layer Like a Pro
Pour half of the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella on top. Pour in the rest of the pasta mixture followed by more mozzarella and shaved Parmesan cheese—the ultimate cheesy dream.
Bake Away
Cover your baking dish with foil (to avoid burning those cheesy edges) and bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling—it’ll smell heavenly!
Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your masterpiece to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh basil if using; this adds both color and aroma—a feast for all senses.
Now you have a scrumptious Baked Ziti that is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every gooey bite!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser, combining creamy cheese and hearty pasta
- This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks when you need something easy and delicious
- The enticing aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, ready to dig in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by boiling your ziti until al dente while simultaneously preparing the sauce. Layer everything in a baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheese varieties or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also spice it up with herbs like oregano or basil.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella for that gooey, melty texture that makes baked ziti irresistible
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it will continue to cook while baking
- Always let it sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing
The first time I made baked ziti, my friends raved about it so much that I thought I should charge admission!
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that hold sauce well.
Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assembling it a day before and refrigerating works great for busy nights.
Is baked ziti suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and enjoy later.
Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in this cheesy Baked Ziti, a delightful dish perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish; add half of the remaining mozzarella on top. Pour in the rest of the pasta mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cheeses or add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Baked Ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg