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To make Baked Ziti Supreme, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (or ground turkey) - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 green bell pepper, diced - 1/2 onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a rich flavor. The ziti pasta holds the sauce well. The mix of cheeses gives it a creamy texture. You can add ingredients to make the dish your own. Some ideas include: - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Spinach for a boost of nutrients - Olives for a salty kick - Red pepper flakes for heat Feel free to mix and match these extras. They can change the taste and make it special. If you want to make a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use more veggies or extra cheese instead. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ziti pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy Baked Ziti Supreme, no matter their diet. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil a large pot of salted water. Once the water is bubbling, add 12 oz of ziti pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Remember, this step is key for the best texture in your dish. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add 1/2 red bell pepper and 1/2 green bell pepper, both diced. Cook until the veggies are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Now, stir in 1 cup of cooked Italian sausage, crumbled, or ground turkey. Cook until the meat is browned. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. This mix gives your dish a rich flavor. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sautéed mixture, 2 cups of marinara sauce, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix it well until everything blends together. It's important to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce. Then, add half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir again to combine. This mixture is now ready for the oven. Transfer the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly so every bite gets the same great taste. Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step will make the cheese bubble and turn golden. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with some basil leaves before serving. To get that perfect cheese melt, use fresh mozzarella. Grate it yourself for a better texture. When you sprinkle it on top, be sure to cover all the pasta. This helps it melt evenly. Baking with foil traps steam, making the cheese gooey. Remove the foil near the end to brown the cheese. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil. This adds depth to your dish. Don't rush this step; let them become soft and fragrant. Adding the sausage gives a nice, rich flavor. Spice it up with oregano and basil while cooking. These herbs boost the taste and aroma. Mixing the marinara sauce with the ricotta creates a creamy base. This adds moisture and richness to each bite. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Make sure to cook it al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors. Lastly, don’t skip the foil. It helps the cheese melt right. If you want a crispy top, remove it for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley just before serving enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color to your baked ziti. Layer Cheese for Extra Flavor: For an even cheesier dish, try mixing in some provolone or gouda cheese along with the mozzarella. Customize Your Proteins: Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with grilled chicken, or make it vegetarian by adding more veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Make Ahead and Freeze: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and frozen. Just bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat. Use extra veggies instead. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These add great flavor and nutrition. You can also use plant-based sausage for a meaty texture. Just make sure to check the labels for allergens. Combine these veggies with the marinara, ricotta, and cheeses. Bake it just like the original recipe. To make a gluten-free version, swap the ziti pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster. Use gluten-free marinara sauce, too. Always read the labels to ensure no hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this great dish! Want to elevate the taste? Consider adding some extra ingredients. Chopped olives or artichokes can add a nice briny flavor. You might also try sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can bring a fresh note. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Mix these in with your other ingredients. Your baked ziti will be even more delicious! After you make Baked Ziti Supreme, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to label it with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. If you want to freeze Baked Ziti Supreme, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat Baked Ziti Supreme, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot. If you want a crisp top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! You can prepare Baked Ziti Supreme ahead of time. First, cook the ziti pasta and sauté the veggies and meat. Combine these with the sauce and cheese as usual. Next, place the mixture in a greased baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven. Bake it longer if it’s cold from the fridge. Yes, you can use different types of cheese in your Baked Ziti Supreme. For more flavor, try using provolone or gouda. If you want it extra creamy, use mascarpone. You can even mix cheeses for a unique taste. Just make sure to keep some mozzarella for that gooey top layer. Experimenting with cheese can make this dish even more special! Serve Baked Ziti Supreme hot from the oven. Cut it into squares for easy serving. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread. This combo makes a great meal. You can also offer extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy every cheesy bite! Baked Ziti Supreme is a dish full of flavor and options. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare your dish step-by-step. We explored tips for the best cheese melt and techniques to enhance taste. I shared ideas for vegetarian and gluten-free versions, along with storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. As you try this recipe, remember to customize it to suit your taste. Enjoy the process, and share the joy of this delicious meal with loved ones.

Baked Ziti Supreme

A delicious baked pasta dish with ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian sausage, topped with fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (or ground turkey)
  • 0.5 each red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 each green bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 each onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Boil a large pot of salted water, then cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the crumbled Italian sausage (or ground turkey) and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the sautéed mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the ziti mixture.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword baked ziti, Italian, pasta