Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and Flavorful: The recipe combines simple ingredients to create a deeply flavorful dish.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a celebration, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser.

• Customizable: Easily add vegetables or swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz ziti pasta

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 15 oz ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Ziti: Boil salted water in a large pot, and cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and half of the fresh herbs until smooth.

4. Layer the Ziti: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and more marinara. Top with mozzarella cheese.

5. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining ziti, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan.

6. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Serve: Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Meat Option: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce for a meaty version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make my Baked Ziti more flavorful?

Add oregano or basil to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Is Baked Ziti suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze the unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food dish for any occasion. With its hearty layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and simple recipe that delivers both flavor and satisfaction in every bite!