Baked Ziti
Introduction
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that brings comfort to any table. It’s cheesy, delicious, and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s easy to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together a hearty meal that tastes amazing!
How to Make Baked Ziti
Making Baked Ziti is straightforward and fun! Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the marinara sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
How to Serve Baked Ziti
Serve your Baked Ziti hot from the oven, garnished with fresh basil. It pairs nicely with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal!
How to Store Baked Ziti
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the Baked Ziti cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Tips to Make Baked Ziti
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- If you want a meatier dish, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage between the layers.
- For a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Variation
Feel free to swap out the cheeses. Try using ricotta and cottage cheese for a different texture. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it well before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes! Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great in Baked Ziti. Just sauté them before mixing with the cheese and sauce.
Now you have everything you need to make a scrumptious Baked Ziti that your family will love! Enjoy cooking!