This baked ziti recipe features pasta baked with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The preparation is simple, making it an excellent choice for weeknight meals. You can customize this dish by adding vegetables or different types of meat to suit your taste.
Comforting Layers of Flavor
Baked ziti is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The combination of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses creates a delightful medley that is hard to resist. Each layer melds together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
The beauty of baked ziti lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Gathering the Ingredients
To prepare a delicious baked ziti, you’ll need essential ingredients that come together to create a harmonious flavor profile. Ziti pasta serves as the foundation, while marinara sauce adds a tangy richness. Creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella provide the perfect cheesy texture that pulls everything together.
Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful crunch, and fresh basil leaves bring a pop of color and freshness to the dish. These simple ingredients transform into a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing baked ziti is straightforward and can be done in just about an hour. Start by cooking the ziti pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. While the pasta cooks, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning to create a creamy filling that will enhance the overall flavor.
Layering is key to achieving the ideal baked ziti. Begin with a base of marinara sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta and cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of marinara and mozzarella. This method ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Once your layers are assembled, it’s time to bake! Cover the dish with aluminum foil to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly. After a short baking period, remove the foil to let the cheese bubble and turn golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible cheesy crust.
Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving. This brief wait helps the dish set, making it easier to slice and serve. The aroma wafting through the kitchen will surely entice everyone to gather around the table.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving baked ziti, presentation matters. Serve it directly from the rustic baking dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an inviting touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even incorporating ground meat for added protein. The possibilities are endless, making baked ziti a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Enjoying the Experience
Gathering around a warm dish of baked ziti creates a wonderful dining experience. The cozy kitchen setting, complete with warm lighting, enhances the atmosphere, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends.
As you dig into the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, savor the comforting flavors that come together in each bite. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings people together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti combines ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella, baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g