Easy Baked Ziti

$To make Easy Baked Ziti, you need a few simple ingredients. These will create a creamy and cheesy dish that everyone will love. Here’s what you need: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays a role. The ziti pasta gives the dish its shape. Marinara sauce adds rich flavor. Ricotta and mozzarella create a creamy texture. Parmesan brings a salty kick. The egg helps bind everything together. Italian seasoning and garlic powder add depth. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Use fresh basil as a garnish for a pop of color and taste. This recipe is fun and easy! It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering. Check out the Full Recipe to get started! To start, cook your ziti pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water and add the pasta. Follow the package directions and cook until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, mix the ricotta cheese and seasonings. In a big bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mix is smooth. This step adds flavor and creaminess to your dish. Now, create the sauce and cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, blend the marinara sauce with half of the mozzarella cheese. This mix will keep your baked ziti moist and cheesy. Time to assemble! In a large baking dish, start layering your ingredients. First, add a layer of the sauce and cheese mix at the bottom. Then, place half of the cooked ziti on top. Spread half of the ricotta mix over the pasta and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Finish with the leftover mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Check for bubbly, golden cheese on top. Once it's done, let your baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Now you are ready to enjoy a delicious meal! For the full recipe, check out the section above. To ensure perfect al dente pasta, cook the ziti for just a few minutes less than the package states. This keeps it firm and helps it hold up in the oven. Drain the pasta and rinse it quickly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta stay firm when baked. When mixing ingredients, use a large bowl for the ricotta cheese, egg, and seasonings. I like to mix all the ingredients until they are smooth. This way, every bite will have that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you are adding meat, mix it in with the marinara sauce for even distribution. For ideal accompaniments, serve the baked ziti with garlic bread and a fresh salad. The crisp salad balances the creamy dish well. A light vinaigrette adds a nice touch. To garnish, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a richer taste. Resting time is key after baking. Let the ziti sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut. Great kitchen tools to use include a large baking dish and a sturdy spatula. A good spatula helps lift out portions without falling apart. Also, consider using parchment paper to line the dish for easy cleanup. For the full recipe, visit the section above. {{image_2}} You can swap ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Cottage cheese gives a nice, creamy texture. If you can't find mozzarella, try using provolone or gouda. Both melt well and add flavor. To make baked ziti vegetarian, replace meat with veggies like spinach or mushrooms. You can add zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun. For meat lovers, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey. These meats mix well with the sauce. They add protein and depth to your meal. If you want more flavor, try adding Italian sausage for a spicy kick. Herbs and spices can really change the taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, give a fresh zest. Try adding oregano or thyme for a classic Italian touch. You can make baked ziti in a slow cooker. Just layer the ingredients as usual, then cook on low for 4 hours. This method is great for busy days. It keeps your ziti moist and full of flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer ziti-style pasta made from rice or corn. The flavors stay the same, and everyone can enjoy it. For the full recipe, check out the link above. To keep your baked ziti fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge right away. This keeps bacteria from growing. For freezing, portion out the ziti into smaller containers. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can reheat baked ziti in two ways: the oven or the microwave. The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you use the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. To keep texture and flavor, add a splash of water before reheating. This helps the pasta stay moist. Baked ziti lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks dry, throw it away. When frozen, it can last up to 3 months. To know if it's bad, look for ice crystals or freezer burn. For more details, check the Full Recipe. You can make baked ziti without meat by using only cheese and sauce. Just follow the recipe and skip any meat. The ricotta and mozzarella give it a rich flavor. You can add more herbs for more taste. Yes, you can prepare baked ziti in advance. Simply assemble it and cover it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To keep baked ziti moist, cover it with foil while baking. This traps steam and keeps the cheese gooey. You can also add a bit more sauce before baking if it looks dry. The best sauce for baked ziti is marinara. It gives a classic taste and pairs well with cheese. You can use store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe for extra flavor. Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. Try spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them lightly before adding to the layers for the best taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Baked ziti is a comforting dish made with simple ingredients like pasta, marinara, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create this dish perfectly every time. Remember to rest your ziti before serving for the best flavor. You can also customize it to fit your taste with different ingredients and cooking methods. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti with friends or family, and don't forget to experiment with new flavors!$

Indulge in the ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This easy recipe combines creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella for a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Layered with marinara and ziti pasta, it’s a comforting classic that's sure to impress. Ready in just 60 minutes, this flavorful meal is a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight.

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.

In a large baking dish, start layering:

- Begin with a layer of the marinara sauce and cheese mixture on the bottom.

- Add half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top.

- Repeat the layers with the remaining marinara sauce, ziti, ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.