There’s just something magical about making a classic baked ziti recipe that fills my heart with joy! I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of rich marinara sauce bubbling away and melted cheese turning golden and gooey. It was a comforting embrace in a dish, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Every bite is a symphony of flavors—creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and that delightful Italian seasoning. Trust me, once you try this baked ziti, it’ll become a staple in your home just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making the best baked ziti. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta: This is the star of the dish! Look for a good quality ziti that will hold the sauce well.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. The richer, the better!
- 1 pound ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy, luxurious texture. You can use whole milk or part-skim for a lighter option.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Go for fresh mozzarella if you can; it melts beautifully and gives that perfect stretchy cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice nutty flavor and a salty kick to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A little drizzle helps enhance the flavors and keep things moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This brings a lovely aromatic quality to the dish—don’t skip it!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning throughout the dish to balance all those amazing flavors!
Once you’ve got these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a baked ziti that will wow your family and friends!
How to Prepare Baked Ziti Recipe
Getting started on this baked ziti recipe is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: It’s essential to start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your ziti bakes evenly and the cheese gets that beautiful golden color.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven!
- Mix the ingredients: In a spacious bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that every piece of pasta is coated with that scrumptious sauce!
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly—this helps with even cooking!
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. This is where the magic happens—cheesy goodness!
- Drizzle with olive oil: A light drizzle of olive oil on top helps everything stay moist and adds a nice sheen to your dish.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
- Rest before serving: Once out of the oven, let your baked ziti rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes serving a breeze!
And there you have it! A simple yet delightful baked ziti recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving (1 cup). Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This baked ziti recipe strikes a wonderful balance between indulgence and nourishment, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked ziti recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delightful layers of rich marinara sauce and creamy cheeses that create an explosion of flavors.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s like a warm hug in a dish!
- Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!
Trust me, once you make this baked ziti, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked ziti turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember to cook it al dente since it will continue to soften while baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses: For even more flavor, try blending in some provolone or fontina cheese with the mozzarella.
- Let it rest: Giving the baked ziti a few minutes to cool before serving allows it to set up nicely, making it easier to slice.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to toss in some sautéed vegetables or cooked meats to customize the dish to your taste!
These little tips can make a big difference in achieving that perfect baked ziti experience!
Variations of Baked Ziti Recipe
One of the best things about this baked ziti recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or use up what you have in the pantry. Here are some fun ideas:
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or add some ricotta dollops for extra creaminess.
- Veggie Packed: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in some greens and add texture.
- Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone!
With these variations, you can keep your baked ziti exciting and fresh every time!
Serving Suggestions
To make your baked ziti meal even more delightful, consider pairing it with some tasty sides and drinks! A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement, adding brightness to the richness of the ziti. You can also serve garlic bread or bruschetta on the side for that extra crunch and flavor. For a cozy touch, a glass of red wine like Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water adds a lovely finish to the meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil on top of the ziti before serving for that gourmet touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your baked ziti properly ensures you can enjoy those delicious leftovers without sacrificing flavor! Once it’s completely cooled, transfer any uneaten ziti into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should last up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You might want to cover it with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from browning too much. Enjoy your ziti just as much as the first time!
Imprimer
Baked Ziti Recipe: 7 Comforting Secrets to Savor It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic baked ziti recipe with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite marinara sauce.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: baked ziti recipe, pasta dish, Italian cuisine
