Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight

$To make a great baked ziti, you need a few key items: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish that warms the heart. You can easily change baked ziti to fit your tastes. Here are some fun options: - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick - Extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition - Ground beef, turkey, or sausage for a meatier dish - A dash of Italian seasoning for more flavor These choices let you make baked ziti just how you like it. The right cheese makes baked ziti shine. I suggest: - Whole milk mozzarella for the best melt - Fontina cheese for a creamy texture - Pecorino Romano for a salty bite Mix and match cheese to make your baked ziti truly special. Each cheese adds its own flavor and richness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. It ensures your ziti bakes evenly. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. You will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, an egg, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and seasonings. Make sure everything is ready before cooking. Now, cook 12 oz of ziti pasta. Follow the package instructions closely. Aim for al dente texture, which means firm but not hard. This helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything blends well. The mixture will be creamy and cheesy. Now, gently fold in the cooked ziti. This step helps coat every piece with cheesy goodness. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the marinara sauce at the bottom. This sauce keeps the ziti moist while baking. Next, pour the ziti and cheese mixture on top. Spread it evenly. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the ziti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to become bubbly and golden. Once it’s ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To get that dreamy cheese melt, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella gives you stretch, while Parmesan adds flavor. Make sure you layer the cheese well. Add half during mixing and the rest on top. This method helps it melt evenly. Bake covered for the first 25 minutes. Then, uncover it to let the cheese brown. To keep your baked ziti moist, use enough sauce. The marinara sauce needs to coat the pasta well. If it seems dry, add a splash of water to the baking dish. Covering the dish with foil for part of the bake also helps. It traps steam and keeps the dish juicy. Letting it rest after baking keeps the moisture in, too. Serve your baked ziti hot from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil for color and taste. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can elevate the dish. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a full meal. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the ziti pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking and absorb some of the sauce. Mix Cheeses for Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider mixing different types of cheeses, such as adding provolone or mozzarella di bufala to the mix. Layering Technique: Layer your dish carefully; ensure sauce is at the bottom and top to prevent the pasta from drying out during baking. Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_2}} You can make baked ziti without meat. Use more veggies instead. Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini work well. Just chop them up and add to your cheese mix. This adds flavor and nutrients. You can also use a mix of fresh herbs. Basil and parsley give a lovely taste. This option is great for family dinners or potlucks. Want to add some meat? Ground beef, turkey, or sausage are great choices. Cook the meat in a skillet first. Drain any fat before adding it to your cheese and ziti mix. This makes the dish heartier and adds protein. For a spicy kick, use Italian sausage. It pairs well with marinara sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, there are choices. Look for gluten-free ziti pasta made from rice or corn. They cook similarly to regular pasta. Follow the package instructions to get the right texture. You can also use spiralized vegetables, like zucchini or sweet potato, as a base. This makes the dish lighter but still tasty. To keep your baked ziti fresh, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover the dish well if you keep it in the baking dish. This helps prevent drying out. Label your container with the date for easy reference. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming. If you want to freeze baked ziti, it’s best to do this before baking. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then freeze. It can last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, covered, then remove the foil and bake until bubbly. The best way to reheat baked ziti is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist. Cover with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in a safe dish for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. Yes, you can make baked ziti in advance. Prepare the dish as usual. Instead of baking it, cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes. If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight before baking. To prevent watery baked ziti, use less marinara sauce. Drain the pasta well after cooking. You can also add the cheese mixture before mixing in the sauce. This helps absorb some moisture. If you notice excess liquid, you can bake it a bit longer. This helps to evaporate any extra water. This article covered how to make baked ziti, from selecting ingredients to baking it. We explored essential and optional ingredients, recommended cheese, and detailed step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfect cheese melt and ways to avoid dryness. Plus, we discussed variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. In the end, you can create a delicious dish tailored to your tastes. Enjoy your baked ziti, and remember to store leftovers properly for future meals!$

A comforting baked pasta dish with layers of cheese and marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

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 mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, egg, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Stir the cooked ziti into the cheese mixture until the pasta is fully coated.
Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Add the ziti and cheese mixture on top of the sauce, spreading it evenly.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ziti, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
For an extra kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top (if using).
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve family-style or plate individual servings. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Keyword baked ziti, cheesy, Italian, pasta