Irresistible Baked Ziti Recipe: Cheesy Comfort in 30 Minutes

Baked ziti is a symphony of cheesy goodness, where pasta meets a rich tomato sauce, and they live happily ever after under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella. Imagine diving into a warm, gooey dish that hugs your taste buds with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

This baked ziti recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years. I remember the first time I made it for my friends; it was like a cheesy hug that melted all their worries away. Now, it’s not just about the taste; it’s about the laughter shared over plates and the memories created around the dinner table. You’ll want to make this dish on cozy nights or when you need to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

I’ll never forget the delight on my friend’s face when they took their first bite – pure bliss!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium ziti for the perfect texture that holds onto all that cheesy goodness.

• Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality jarred sauce or homemade; both work wonders for flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes every bite feel luxurious.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that ooey-gooey layer everyone loves on top.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan to add depth and enhance the overall cheesiness of your dish.

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and aromatic freshness.

• Ground Meat (optional): Ground beef or Italian sausage can be added for extra protein and flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the sauce with necessary aromatic magic.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil enhances flavor while sautéing garlic and meat if included.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot; add salt generously. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes.

Sauté Garlic and Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. If using meat, add ground beef or sausage and brown until fully cooked.

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce, stirring well to combine with garlic (and meat if you’re using it). Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to meld flavors together.

Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of your mozzarella and half of your parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly until smooth; this will be the creamy filling.

Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti over it, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers finishing with remaining marinara sauce on top.

Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top before baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

With these steps done right, you’ll have baked ziti that’s not just delicious but also an experience! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from family and friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente. While it cooks, prepare your sauce on the side and preheat your oven to 375°F. This sequence ensures everything is hot and delicious when it comes together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins, like spinach or ground turkey. Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile and give it a personal touch that makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout, ensuring it stays cheesy and delicious.

Sharing this baked ziti recipe has always been a hit at family gatherings. My aunt once told me it’s second only to her famous lasagna, which is quite the compliment!

FAQ

Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it beforehand and store it in the fridge overnight before baking.

What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?

Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold sauce well.

Can I freeze baked ziti for later use?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn before storing it.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Baked Ziti

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a medley of creamy cheeses for a hearty dish that brings everyone together. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, creating lasting memories over a warm, delicious meal. With its bubbling mozzarella topping and customizable ingredients, baked ziti is sure to impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes); drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant. If using meat, add and brown until cooked through.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of mozzarella and half of Parmesan; mix until smooth.
6. Layer the baking dish: spread some marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the cooked ziti, half of the cheese mixture, then repeat layers ending with marinara sauce on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheeses, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg