Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti is a regular request in our house. It’s the kind of meal that disappears quickly, with everyone clamoring for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). The first time I made it, I was a little intimidated – it seemed like a lot of steps. But honestly, it’s surprisingly straightforward, and the payoff is immense. The bubbling, cheesy top, the perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, savory tomato sauce…it’s pure comfort food heaven. My kids, who can be picky eaters, absolutely devour this. My husband, a self-proclaimed pasta connoisseur, gives it two thumbs up every time. And for me, it’s a winner because it’s relatively easy to prepare, makes a large batch (perfect for leftovers!), and is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s become our go-to for family dinners, potlucks, and even those nights when I just need a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pasta:
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli also work well)
• Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cheese Mixture:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Topping:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cheesy Baked Ziti:

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Important Note: Slightly undercooking the pasta is crucial, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 30 minutes.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. This prevents the pasta from sticking.
6. Layer the Ingredients: Add half of the cooked ziti to the baking dish. Top with half of the remaining tomato sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture.
8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
10. Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The use of whole milk ricotta and full-fat mozzarella will increase the calorie count, while part-skim options will lower it.)
  • Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10-12g
  • Cholesterol: 80-100mg

Important Note: These values are approximate. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (plus pasta cooking time)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience:

• Classic Sides:
  • Garlic bread: A must-have for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Green salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ziti.
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are excellent choices.
• Wine Pairings:
  • Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Merlot, complements the tomato sauce and cheese beautifully.
  • White Wine: If you prefer white wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also work well.
• Garnishes:
  • Fresh basil leaves: Sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves on top just before serving for a pop of color and aroma.
  • Extra Parmesan cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who like an extra cheesy experience.
  • Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, provide a shaker of red pepper flakes.
• Serving Styles
  • Family Style: Serve the baked ziti directly from the baking dish, allowing everyone to help themselves.
  • Individual Portions: If you prefer, you can divide the baked ziti into individual ramekins before baking for a more elegant presentation.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to help you make the best Cheesy Baked Ziti:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor. Use good-quality canned tomatoes, fresh ricotta cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As mentioned earlier, it’s essential to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the baked ziti.
3. Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the tomato sauce and the cheese mixture generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
4. Let it Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial. This allows the cheese to set and prevents the ziti from being too watery.
5. Make it Ahead: Baked ziti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. You can also freeze the unbaked ziti for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cheesy Baked Ziti:

1. Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?A: Yes, absolutely! While ziti is the traditional choice, you can use other short, tubular pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, mostaccioli, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
2. Q: Can I add meat to the baked ziti?A: Yes, you can definitely add meat. Browned Italian sausage (sweet or hot), ground beef, or ground turkey are popular choices. Simply cook the meat before adding it to the tomato sauce. You can add about 1 pound of cooked meat to this recipe.
3. Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?A: Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! If you want to add more vegetables, you can sauté some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini and add them to the tomato sauce.
4. Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
5. Q: Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of making my own?A: Yes, you can use jarred pasta sauce to save time. Choose a good-quality sauce, and you may want to add some extra seasonings (like garlic, oregano, and basil) to enhance the flavor. You’ll need approximately 48-56 ounces of jarred sauce. However, making your own sauce allows for greater control over the flavor and ingredients.

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• Keyword Density: The primary keyword “Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe” and related terms (baked ziti, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce) are used naturally throughout the text, avoiding keyword stuffing.
• Long-Tail Keywords: The article includes long-tail keywords like “ultimate comfort food classic,” “easy baked ziti recipe,” “how to make baked ziti,” and “vegetarian baked ziti.”
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