Easy Baked Ziti

Introduction

Easy Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that combines pasta, hearty marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. This simple, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With layers of flavorful ingredients baked to perfection, this ziti recipe offers all the warmth and satisfaction of homemade Italian cuisine without the complexity.

I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends, and the entire house filled with the delicious smell of melting cheese and tomato sauce. The combination of creamy ricotta and tangy marinara creates a mouthwatering layer that pairs perfectly with the tender pasta. Every bite is comforting and satisfying, just like something you’d enjoy at a family gathering.

What makes this recipe so great is its simplicity. You don’t need to be an expert cook to pull it off—just layer the ingredients, bake, and watch as everyone digs in for seconds. Whether you serve it with a side salad or garlic bread, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. So next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, whip up this easy baked ziti and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade Italian goodness!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Potluck gatherings
• Meal prep and leftovers
• Feeding a crowd
• Fans of cheesy pasta dishes

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ziti

Here’s why Easy Baked Ziti will become your go-to pasta bake:

• Comfort Food Classic: A hearty, cheesy pasta dish that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easily customizable to suit your taste.
• One-Dish Meal: Everything bakes together in one dish, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing for busy nights.
• Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy layer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy Baked Ziti:

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ziti Pasta: The tubular shape of ziti holds the sauce and cheese beautifully. Penne is a great substitute if needed.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara for the best flavor, or make your own for a personal touch.
• Ricotta Cheese: Provides creaminess and a subtle richness to the dish.
• Ground Meat (Optional): Adds heartiness and protein, but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Trio: Mozzarella for gooeyness, Parmesan for depth, and ricotta for creaminess make this dish irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Easy Baked Ziti:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

4. Layer the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mozzarella on top.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve the Dish:

7. Garnish and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With a Salad: Serve with a fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens for a balanced meal.
• With Bread: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
• As a Potluck Dish: Bring this ziti to potlucks or gatherings as a reliable crowd-pleaser.
• As Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch or dinner the next day.

Additional Tips for Easy Baked Ziti

Here are some tips to ensure your Easy Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and taste superior to pre-shredded options.
• Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the baked ziti rest ensures the layers set, making it easier to serve.
• Double the Recipe: If serving a large crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
• Customize the Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for the ground beef.
• Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Adjust the Cheese Layer: If you love extra cheese, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top before baking.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations for Easy Baked Ziti

Here are 10 ways to customize your Easy Baked Ziti:

1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
2. Four-Cheese Baked Ziti: Add provolone or fontina cheese to the mix for extra cheesy goodness.
3. Spicy Baked Ziti: Use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
4. White Baked Ziti: Replace marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
5. Low-Carb Baked Ziti: Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
6. Meat Lovers’ Ziti: Add bacon, pepperoni, or meatballs to the layers.
7. Pesto Baked Ziti: Add a layer of basil pesto along with the ricotta mixture.
8. Gluten-Free Baked Ziti: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. Seafood Baked Ziti: Add cooked shrimp or scallops to the layers for a seafood twist.
10. Mexican-Inspired Ziti: Substitute marinara with salsa, ricotta with sour cream, and mozzarella with cheddar.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Baked Ziti

• Freezing: Assemble the ziti but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Easy Baked Ziti

Here are some tools to make preparing Easy Baked Ziti a breeze:

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Skillet: For preparing the meat sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: To layer and bake the ziti.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ricotta mixture and other ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish during baking.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly grating mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and spreading the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Baked Ziti

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetables or plant-based protein instead.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta works well.
3. Can I assemble this ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
5. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   Add more mozzarella and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before baking.

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Conclusion

Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta, hearty marinara sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with every bite offering satisfying warmth and richness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or to stock up your freezer for later, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious.

With its effortless preparation and wide appeal, Easy Baked Ziti is a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, and it only gets better when reheated!

I’d love to see how your Easy Baked Ziti turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!