Baked Ziti (Easy Recipe)

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Enjoy this classic baked ziti recipe.

It’s great for all cooks, whether you’re experienced or new to the kitchen.

It’s a perfect dish for family dinners, pleasing a crowd, or simple weeknight meals.

Five reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• It’s quick, only takes an hour from prep to table.
• The portion is perfect for a group.
• A delightful casserole that’s perfect to share.
• It’s nutritious and you can make it for meat-eaters or vegetarians.
• Great for preparing ahead on your busy days.

Exact Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious baked ziti, here’s what you need:

1. 16 ounces of ziti pasta for its authentic shape.
2. 24 ounces of rich ricotta cheese.
3. 1 pound of shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible stretch and gooeyness.
4. 1 egg to bind the mixture together.
5. A 32-ounce jar of full-flavored spaghetti sauce.
6. ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.

These easy recipe ingredients work well together. They make a great mix of flavor and texture. By adding ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, and Parmesan cheese, every bite tastes amazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Baked Ziti is easy and fun. Just follow these simple steps. You’ll get a tasty dish every single time.

1. Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Next, boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta. It should be ready in about 8-10 minutes. Then, drain it.
3. As the pasta cooks, coat your baking dish with a bit of olive oil to stop it from sticking.
4. Mix pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, and some sauce in a big bowl. Mix well.
5. Put half the pasta mix into your dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Then, add the rest of the sauce over the pasta. After that, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Now, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. After that, take off the foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes more, until it’s golden on top.
9. When it’s golden and ready, take it out of the oven. Let it cool a bit before serving.

Making Baked Ziti shows the love of homemade Italian food. It brings comforting flavors in every bite. Just follow the steps above for a perfect meal. Your family will enjoy it a lot.

Tips & Tricks

Making your Baked Ziti better is easy with these tips and tricks. For pasta cooking tips, always cook your pasta just right. This stops it from getting too soft when it bakes. means pick full-fat ricotta and mozzarella. These cheeses add a creamy touch and make it feel extra special. Don’t forget to sprinkle some dried basil and oregano. They bring a true taste of Italy to your meal.

Love baking advice? Try broiling your Baked Ziti for a golden top. It looks and tastes better this way. A top kitchen hack is to make sure it’s saucy enough. This keeps it from drying out in the oven. Your food stays moist and tasty.

Try new ways to make Baked Ziti. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy it, even if they have special diets. With a few changes, all your guests will love it. Have fun making the best Baked Ziti with these easy tips!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti is perfect for every family meal. It’s key in Italian cooking and fits well with many other dishes.

Looking for elegance? Begin with a citrus spritz cocktail. It’s light and fizzy, a great contrast to the pasta. Want something sweet after? Try a kitchen sink skillet cookie. It’s a warm treat that goes so well with the Baked Ziti.

Add some greens to make your meal complete. Think about spinach, broccoli, or peas as sides. They add color and goodness, making your meal not just tasty but healthy, too.

Baked Ziti is a favorite and can work with lots of meals. It’s great for fancy dinners or laid-back family times. With the right drink, dessert, and sides, Baked Ziti can be an amazing meal.

How to Store

To store your homemade Baked Ziti well, follow these steps. Put any extra food in a tight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you want to eat again, warm it in the oven. This makes sure it tastes as good as new.

If you want to keep it longer, freezing works great. Split the Baked Ziti into containers or wrap it tight in foil. This stops it from getting freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Using this way, your pasta stays fresh, ready to enjoy later.

Planning meals ahead is a smart idea. With your Baked Ziti ready, you can have an easy, tasty dish anytime. It makes your pasta last longer. Plus, you get to enjoy a homemade meal when it best fits your day.