Delicious homemade baked ziti with cheese and marinara sauce

Baked Ziti

ByOrya Morgan
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Why make this recipe

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners and gatherings. It’s easy to make, hearty, and satisfying. This dish combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. With its simple ingredients, Baked Ziti is a great way to bring everyone together at the table.

How to make Baked Ziti

Making Baked Ziti is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to whip up this delicious dish.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish.
  5. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

How to serve Baked Ziti

Serve Baked Ziti hot from the oven. It’s great on its own but can be paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a special touch, sprinkle some extra fresh basil or a dash of red pepper flakes on top before serving.

How to store Baked Ziti

To store leftovers, let the Baked Ziti cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Baked Ziti

  • For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the pasta mixture.
  • Mix in some chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique taste.

Variation

You can easily modify Baked Ziti by switching the pasta type. Try using penne or rigatoni instead of ziti. Another variation is to make it with white sauce or pesto instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Ziti a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce is a great time-saver, and there are many delicious options available.

3. What should I do if my Baked Ziti is too dry?
If your Baked Ziti seems too dry after baking, you can drizzle a little extra marinara sauce on top before serving to add moisture.

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Can use store-bought for convenience.
Cheese Mixture
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Plus extra for topping.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
  1. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish.
  2. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
  3. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Serve hot, great on its own or paired with a side salad or garlic bread. For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey. Mix in some chopped vegetables for added flavor. You can switch pasta types or use white sauce/pesto instead of marinara for variation.

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