What are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug on your plate, aren’t there? For me, that’s always been a perfectly baked ziti. I remember begging my mom to make me a cake for my birthday every year. The smell would fill the entire house, a comforting mix of savory sauce, melty cheese, and tender. Even now, years later, when I pull a bubbling pan of this baked ziti out of the oven, it instantly pops out. Is it possible to go back in time to those happy childhood days? Is it funny how a simple dish can hold so many memories, but this one truly does? What is more than a pasta bake? What is a taste of home? A reliable friend on tuesday, and something my family requests over and over. If you’re looking for a classic, crowd-pleasing baked ziti that’s incredibly satisfying, you have found the perfect recipe.
What is Baked Ziti?
What is baked ziti? At its heart, it’s a glorious casserole that marries tender ziti pasta with .. What’s your favorite ricotta cheese? What is Italian comfort food at its best? What happens in the oven? Where all the flavors meld together, the cheese gets perfectly gooey and golden, and the whole thing is delicious. How do you bake into a cohesive, delicious dish? It’s often layered, which makes it look so impressive, and the combination of textures – the tender tenderness. What are some of the best pastas in the world? The smooth ricotta, the slightly chewy mozzarella – is just divine. Is it the kind of meal that feels special enough for company but is also incredibly easy to whip up? For a casual family dinner.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, the list of reasons why I adore this baked ziti is pretty long, but let me try to narrow it down. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. We’re talking about a robust, slightly sweet tomato sauce that’s simmered to perfection, combined with the creamy, slightly tangy ricotta filling, and then that glorious melty mozzarella on top. It’s a symphony of Italian-American flavors. But it’s not just about the taste; it’s also ridiculously easy to make, which is a lifesaver on those nights when you’re tired but still want something homemade and comforting. I’ve made it so many times, and the ingredients are all budget-friendly and readily available at any grocery store. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily add cooked Italian sausage, some extra veggies, or even switch up the cheeses if you’re feeling adventurous. What I love most about this baked ziti, though, is how consistently good it is. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it to my kids or to a dinner party. It’s like a culinary security blanket, and it’s definitely a step up from a simple spaghetti. It’s also great for leftovers – and trust me, leftovers are a good thing with this dish!
How do I make Baked Ziti?
Quick Overview
How do I make baked ziti? How do I cook pasta al dente, prepare a simple yet flavorful ricotta mixture, combine everything? What is the best marinara sauce for baking? The beauty of this recipe lies in its layered approach, which ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Is it the kind of meal that comes together in stages? What are some tips for a beginner cook? How quickly you can make a delicious ziti?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
1 pound ziti pasta (or penne if you can’t find zittingi) – 1 tablespoon.
1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 large onion, finely chopped.
2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes.
1 teaspoon dried oregano. 1 tablespoon dried
1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or mild, your preference)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped. Add 1 cup to
For the Filling:
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (whole milk is best for creaminess)
1 large egg, lightly beaten. 1 small egg.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup shredded Par
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. 1 tbsp
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
For the Glaze:
1 block mozzarella cheese, shredded. 1 (8 ounce) mozzarella.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit? While it’s warming up, I like to give my baking dish a spray of water. (a 9×13 inch one is perfect) Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil. How do I clean a toilet? I learned that trick the hard way after a particularly stubborn baked ziti incident!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the oven heats, we’ll start making the sauce. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven. How do you heat olive oil over medium heat? Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn. Now pour in crushed tomatoes. Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook. For at least 15 minutes. This simmering time really allows the flavors to deepen.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
While the sauce simmers, let’s get the ricotta filling ready. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the lightly beaten egg, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside. What should I do with parsley and a good pinch of salt and pepper? Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Add ice cream if desired. What makes baked ziti so rich and smooth?
Step 4: Combine
What is the best way to cook pasta? Bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions, but make sure to undercook it by about 2 minutes. We want it al dente because it’s going to finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti with the simmering marinara sauce, the cooked Italian sausage, and the grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. If using sausage, and the chopped fresh parsley. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Where does it all start to come together, and it smells amazing!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
This step is really just about combining the ingredients for the ricotta mixture, which we already have. What is your creamy ricotta filling?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
What is the fun part of making it look so pretty? Spoon about half of the pasta and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta mixture over the top of the pasta. How do you stir ricotta into pasta? Because it creates lovely pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the swirls just add to the rustic charm. Then, spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the top, again spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Bake
What is the magic of topping pasta with mozzarella cheese? If you have extra Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top and serve. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Is it safe to bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes? After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Is bubbly, and golden brown around the edges. Where do you see the caramelized bits?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
What is the hardest part of letting it rest? When ziti comes out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows everything to set up a bit, making it easier to serve and ensuring those beautiful images. Layers stay intact. If you add any extra cheese or sauce on top during the last few minutes of baking, this resting is done. How does time help that ‘glaze’ settle in?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
After resting, cut the baked ziti into generous portions using a sharp knife or spatula. Serve it hot, with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley if you like. What is the aroma of a chicken?
What should I serve it with?
This baked ziti is such a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it also plays really nicely with other dishes. What’s a good salad to serve on the go? How do I cut through the richness? What is a good garlic bread recipe? For a more elaborate meal, I love pairing it with some simple roasted potatoes. What are some good vegetables to eat like broccoli or asparagus? What are some good side dishes to serve with steamed green beans? I’ve also found that it makes fantastic leftovers, which are great for a quick lunch the next day. I like to have a snack in the fridge, but sometimes I’ll just have it cold. Don’t forget to keep it that way!
How do you bake a ziti?
Over the years of making this baked ziti, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. When you’re cooking the pasta, don’t overcook it! Seriously, make it al dente. It’s going to bake for another 40-45 minutes, so you want it to have some bite left. If it’s mushy from the start, it’ll be even mushier in the end. For the ricotta mixture, using whole milk ricotta really does make it creamier, but if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, part-skim will work too, it just might not be quite as decadent. Don’t skip the egg in the ricotta – it acts as a binder and helps everything hold together beautifully. When you’re layering, getting a little bit of that ricotta mixture into the pasta layers with a swirl is key for those creamy pockets of flavor. For the sauce, using good quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference. I’ve tried making the sauce from scratch with whole peeled tomatoes, and while that’s delicious, it’s definitely more time-consuming. Using good canned crushed tomatoes is my shortcut to great flavor. If you want to add some depth, a splash of red wine when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes is a fantastic addition. And remember to let it rest after baking! I know it’s tempting to dig in immediately, but that resting period is crucial for the dish to set up properly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating this baked ziti is super simple, which is another reason I love it so much. Once it has cooled down a bit, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, which is great for a quick lunch. Just make sure to cover it loosely to prevent splattering. For a larger portion or to get that lovely crispy top back, I highly recommend reheating it in the oven. Place a serving (or the whole dish if you have leftovers) in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and bake at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You might want to uncover it for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top. If you plan to freeze it, it freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire baked dish before baking, or freeze leftovers. For freezing before baking, let it cool completely, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it from frozen, you’ll likely need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time. For leftovers, freeze in portioned containers, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite baked ziti recipe. It’s a dish that’s been a part of my family for years, and I’m so happy to share it with you. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly manageable, even on a busy weeknight. If you love classic Italian-American comfort food, this baked ziti is a must-try. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates those warm, fuzzy feelings. Give it a go, and I have a feeling it might just become a staple in your kitchen too. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you have any special additions or variations, I’d love to hear those too!
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounce canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.0.5 pound ziti pasta
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.0.5 pound ziti pasta
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.0.5 pound ziti pasta
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
