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Baked Ziti is one of those classic Italian-American dishes that never disappoints. With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a weeknight meal, Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is incredibly easy to make, and in just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish to serve to your family or guests.

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Ziti Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture will be creamy and thick.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese

In a separate large bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Add the prepared ricotta cheese mixture to the pasta and sauce. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the cheesy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Pour the combined pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, covering the entire dish.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to come together.
After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the ziti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti

Comforting and Hearty: This dish is packed with warm, cheesy goodness and hearty pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Family-Friendly: The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Meal: You can prepare the ziti in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It also freezes well for later use.

Customizable: You can easily add your favorite proteins (like ground beef or sausage) or extra vegetables (like spinach or mushrooms) to customize the dish to your taste.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra cheesy experience, try using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella. It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Add Meat: If you want to make the dish more hearty, consider adding ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.

Veggie Version: Add vegetables such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the mix for a veggie-packed version of this classic.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day for a quick and easy meal.
Leftovers: Baked ziti makes great leftovers! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, if you don’t have ziti, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s chilled.

3. Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes wonderfully! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it straight from the freezer or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

4. What kind of marinara sauce should I use?

You can use your favorite jarred marinara sauce, or if you prefer homemade, feel free to make your own! A high-quality marinara sauce with rich, tomato flavor will elevate the dish.

5. Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a similar creamy texture or use more mozzarella for a cheesy consistency. You can also use cottage cheese as a substitute.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a timeless, comforting dish that combines the richness of cheese, the heartiness of pasta, and the delicious flavors of marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a cozy family dinner, Baked Ziti will always be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, versatile, and most importantly, utterly delicious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Italian-American favorite!

Baked Ziti: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight

Author: Kimberly

Print Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and the ricotta mixture, then stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

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