Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Comfort food at its finest, Cheesy Baked Ziti is a hearty Italian-American dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This recipe combines tender ziti pasta, a flavorful marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey melted cheeses baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite proteins or vegetables for added variety.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. If using ground beef or sausage, add it now and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
4. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Note

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the ziti up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian twist.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
2. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh antipasto platter.
3. Offer a glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light red wine for a classic pairing.

Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

• Use high-quality marinara sauce: homemade or store-bought. Either option enhances the overall flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Cheese Variety: Mix in fontina or provolone for a richer cheese blend.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze baked ziti?
   Yes, assemble the dish, but do not bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes.

2. What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
   Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta works well as a substitute.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I add more protein?
   Yes, stir in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp for added protein.

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheeses. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or make-ahead dinners, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Baked Ziti FAQs

What cheese is good for ziti?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are the classic cheeses for baked ziti. Mozzarella gives that gooey melt, ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan provides a sharp, salty flavor. Some cooks also add provolone or Romano for extra depth.

Do you pre-cook pasta for baked ziti?

Yes, the pasta should be boiled before baking, but only until it’s slightly undercooked (al dente). It will continue to soften as it bakes in the sauce, preventing it from turning mushy.

Do you put ricotta cheese in ziti?

Traditionally, yes. Ricotta cheese is often mixed with an egg and herbs, then layered with the pasta and sauce. It creates a creamy texture similar to lasagna. If you prefer, you can substitute cottage cheese or skip it for a lighter version.

Is baked ziti basically lasagna?

They’re very similar! Both use pasta, sauce, cheese, and baking. The difference is that lasagna is layered with flat noodles, while baked ziti is tossed together with tube-shaped pasta. Baked ziti is usually quicker and easier to assemble than lasagna.