Baked Ziti

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🧀 Baked Ziti

📖 Description

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made with tube-shaped pasta tossed in rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

🛒 Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce

  • 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta

  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese Mixture

  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg (optional, for firmer texture)

Seasonings & Extras

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage

  • Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

    • Cook ziti until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions).

    • Drain and set aside.

  2. Prepare the Sauce

    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

    • Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

    • Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

    • Simmer 5–10 minutes. Add cooked meat or vegetables if using.

  3. Mix the Cheese Filling

    • In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg (if using), Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.

    • Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  4. Assemble

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and sauce.

    • Repeat layers.

    • Top with remaining mozzarella.

  5. Bake

    • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

    • Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  6. Rest & Serve

    • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

    • Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 6–8 people

  • Serving Size: ~1½ cups per serving

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 420–480 kcal

  • Protein: 20–25 g

  • Carbohydrates: 45–50 g

  • Fat: 18–22 g

  • Fiber: 4–6 g

  • Calcium: 25–30% DV

(Values vary based on cheese, sauce, and add-ins.)

🌟 Benefits

  • Comforting & Satisfying: Perfect for cold days or feeding a crowd

  • High in Protein & Calcium: Thanks to cheese and optional meat

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep and freezing

  • Customizable: Easy to adapt for vegetarian or meat-lover diets

💡 Tips & Notes

  • Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushy baked ziti

  • For extra creaminess, add ¼ cup heavy cream to the ricotta mix

  • Use whole-milk mozzarella for best melt

  • Letting it rest before cutting helps layers set

  • Double the recipe and freeze one pan (unbaked or baked)

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Absolutely. Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I use instead of ziti?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy short pasta works well.

Q: Is baked ziti vegetarian?
A: Yes, unless meat is added. Stick to sauce, cheese, and veggies for vegetarian.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Use whole-wheat pasta, part-skim cheeses, and add vegetables.

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