The aroma of bubbling marinara sauce mingled with the scent of melted cheese fills the kitchen as you prepare to dive into a plate of baked ziti. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl; every bite delivers cheesy goodness that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance.
Baked ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience often shared with loved ones during cozy family dinners or fun gatherings where laughter and joy are on the menu. The anticipation builds as you layer the pasta with rich sauce and gooey cheese, promising an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked ziti recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
- Customize the ingredients based on preferences or pantry availability.
- Visually appealing with layers of cheese and sauce, it’s sure to impress guests.
- Perfect for leftovers or meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Every time I make baked ziti, my friends’ eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning! Their reactions remind me why I love cooking for them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti for optimal sauce retention; cook until al dente for best texture.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought or homemade sauce works wonders; look for one with fresh herbs.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it adds richness and depth to the layers.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that gooey melted topping; opt for whole milk mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brightens up the dish; use fresh if possible for maximum flavor impact.
- Olive Oil: A splash of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors when sautéing garlic or vegetables.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth; use as many cloves as your heart desires!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and boil water seasoned generously with salt. Toss in the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions – about 8-10 minutes should do.
When the pasta is ready, drain it well but don’t rinse! You want that starchy goodness to help bind everything together later. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is beautifully mixed!
In another bowl, mix your marinara sauce with any additional spices you desire—maybe some oregano or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Now comes the fun part: layer half of your cooked ziti at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over this layer followed by half of the marinara sauce. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up.
Finally, top everything off with the remaining mozzarella cheese—because who doesn’t love more cheese? Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (shiny side down) to keep moisture in while baking. Pop it into your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes have passed, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top. Your kitchen should now smell like an Italian restaurant!
Once done baking, let it cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this cheesy masterpiece hot from the oven alongside friends or family…or maybe just indulge solo because we won’t judge!
You Must Know
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; it makes all the difference.
- Bake until bubbly for that perfect golden crust.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. Mix everything together before adding layers of cheese to create that perfect baked ziti.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients or use different cheeses for unique flavors. Experimenting is half the fun!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid soggy pasta, cook it just under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Layer sauce between pasta layers for maximum flavor absorption.
- Always let your baked ziti sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
I remember the first time I made baked ziti for my friends; they couldn’t get enough! Their enthusiastic compliments made me feel like a gourmet chef, and now it’s my go-to crowd-pleaser.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for baked ziti?
Absolutely! Many gluten-free pasta options work well and taste delicious.
How long should I bake baked ziti?
Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it beforehand, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve!
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian pasta dish layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s sure to delight everyone.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves about 6
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and do not rinse.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, mix marinara sauce with additional spices if desired.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti followed by half of the marinara sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider incorporating spinach or mushrooms into the layers.
- Assemble your baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
