Best Baked Ziti Recipe for Cheesy Comfort

Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to your table! Picture tender pasta enveloped in a rich, homemade marinara sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta. This dish is a delightful symphony of flavors, enhanced with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra touch of magic. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this baked ziti will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, hearty masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Baked Ziti Recipe

Chef Jasper

Indulge in this mouthwatering baked ziti recipe that combines cheesy goodness and rich flavors. Perfect for family dinners!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta.
• 1 Large skillet For preparing the sauce.
• 1 9×13 inch baking dish For baking the ziti.
• 1 Aluminum Foil To cover the dish while baking.

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 1 pound ziti or penne Choose ziti or penne for the perfect bite.

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil Use for sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 chopped onion Add to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic Minced, elevates the taste.
• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken A lean alternative to traditional meat.
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano Enhances the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil Enhances the flavor.

Cheese

• 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds creaminess and a lovely texture.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkle on top for a savory, cheesy crust.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• to taste fresh basil Adds a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your ziti is ready to bake.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil a large pot of salted water and add 1 pound of ziti pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Ground Meat

• Add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in the Tomatoes

• Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sauce. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

• Spread half of the ziti mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella. Layer the remaining ziti on top.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

• Finish with another cup of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra yum!

Step 9: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

• Let it cool for a few minutes, then scoop out a hearty portion. Enjoy your comforting baked ziti with a smile!

Keyword baked ziti

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

• It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that warms your soul.
• Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!
• A family-friendly meal that everyone will adore.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients for Baked Ziti Recipe

• Pasta – Choose ziti or penne for the perfect bite.
• Marinara Sauce – Use a good quality sauce for rich flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and a lovely texture.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey finish.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle on top for a savory, cheesy crust.
• Italian Seasoning – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil – Adds a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top.
• Olive Oil – Use for sautéing and adding richness.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken – A lean alternative to traditional meat.
• Garlic – Fresh or powdered, it elevates the taste.

How to Make the Baked Ziti Recipe

Get ready to create a delicious baked ziti that will warm your heart and fill your belly!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your ziti is ready to bake.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and add 1 pound of ziti pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Ground Meat

Add 1 pound of ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Mix in the Tomatoes

Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sauce. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Dish

Spread half of the ziti mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella. Layer the remaining ziti on top.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Finish with another cup of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra yum!

Step 9: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Let it cool for a few minutes, then scoop out a hearty portion. Enjoy your comforting baked ziti with a smile!

Pro Tips for Making the Baked Ziti Recipe

• Use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor—mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan work beautifully together.
• Cook your pasta al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent mushiness.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
• For a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or on top before baking.
• Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes for easier slicing.

How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch.
• Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Top with extra mozzarella and broil for a bubbly finish.
• Offer a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
• For a twist, serve in individual ramekins for a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing leftovers is easy and ensures you can enjoy your baked ziti later!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Cool the baked ziti completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or aluminum foil for wrapping.
• Divide into portions for easier thawing later.
• Label with the date and type of dish for reference.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even heating.
• Cover with foil to retain moisture while reheating.
• Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Check the center to ensure it’s hot before serving.

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