If you’re craving a comforting Italian classic that’s packed with ooey-gooey goodness, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella that bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this dish hits all the right notes with its warm, cheesy layers and satisfying texture that simply can’t be beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Each component is essential, contributing vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and hearty depth to the final dish.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce and cheese beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed.
- Marinara sauce: A bright, flavorful tomato base offering just the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess and mild tang that complements the tomato sauce wonderfully.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, golden topping that creates that signature bubbly, cheesy finish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your ziti pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still with a slight bite. This texture is crucial because it will soften more during baking, so avoid overcooking here. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to be layered into the dish.
Step 2: Layer with Sauce and Cheese
Next comes the fun part: assembling the layers. Mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce to ensure each piece is generously coated. Then, spread half the pasta mix into your baking dish, dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta across the surface, and sprinkle a good layer of shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat this layering one more time to build that rich, cheesy structure.
Step 3: Bake Until Melted
Pop the assembled ziti into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese on top turns beautifully golden and bubbly. This step lets all the layers meld together into a harmonious dish where every forkful has that perfect balance of melted cheese, rich sauce, and tender pasta.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe in style, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness. A dash of cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked ziti pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance its richness. Consider a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread toasted to golden perfection. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini make for a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the ziti in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for personal cheesy casseroles. Layering it in a clear glass baking dish also lets everyone admire the beautiful strata of pasta, sauce, and melted cheese. Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving adds an extra cheesy touch and a bit of texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making for some tasty next-day meals. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it as instructed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, cool it first then wrap well. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave on medium power in short bursts to keep the cheese from toughening up. Adding a splash of sauce or water before reheating helps retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti works best due to its size and shape, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives that will hold the sauce and cheese just as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use marinara sauce without meat. For extra protein, feel free to add sautéed vegetables or plant-based sausage.
How do I make the dish less saucy?
Simply reduce the amount of marinara sauce slightly or let the baked ziti rest uncovered for a few minutes after baking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Can I prepare the dish fully in advance and bake just before serving?
Definitely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help deepen the flavors.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta if I don’t have any?
Ricotta gives a gentle creaminess, but you can substitute with cottage cheese (drained) or a soft fresh cheese like mascarpone for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a soul-warming dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make yet impressive enough for any weeknight dinner or special gathering. Trust me, once you try this combination of gooey cheese and flavorful sauce baked to perfection, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for some serious cheesy bliss!
Print
Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked ziti pasta layered generously with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Layer with sauce and cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake until melted: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce.
- You can substitute ziti with penne pasta if unavailable.
- Letting the baked ziti rest before serving helps it settle and makes slicing easier.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but shredded works well for quicker preparation.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
