Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors and hearty ingredients in a dish that warms both the heart and the soul. This classic Italian-American recipe features tender pasta smothered in a homemade tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano, all baked to perfection.

Growing up, this dish was a staple at family gatherings, evoking fond memories of shared meals and laughter. Paired with garlicky bread and a crisp Caesar salad, Baked Ziti is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with loved ones. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that makes this dish a timeless favorite!

Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

For the Baked Ziti:

1 pound ziti pasta

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 can (28 ounces) Italian tomatoes (crushed or diced)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese

2 cups whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Bread:

1 loaf Italian or French bread

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Caesar Salad:

1 large romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup homemade croutons (recipe below)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved

Homemade Croutons:

2 cups cubed bread (stale or toasted)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Caesar Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

1-2 anchovy fillets (optional)

Fresh black pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Baked Ziti:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Pour in the Italian tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

For the Garlic Bread:

Prepare Garlic Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Spread on Bread: Cut the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and spread the garlic butter mixture generously on both halves.

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Bake: Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

For the Caesar Salad:

Make Croutons: Toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until golden and crunchy.

Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy fillets, and black pepper.

Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with Caesar dressing to coat. Top with croutons and shaved Parmesan.

Serve:

Plate the baked ziti alongside slices of garlic bread and a generous serving of Caesar salad. Garnish the ziti with fresh parsley and additional basil, if desired. Enjoy your delightful Italian feast!

Notes:

Pasta Options: While ziti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Adding provolone or fontina cheese can enhance the flavor profile. You can also use low-fat cheese options if you’re looking to lighten the dish.

Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also add Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier version.

Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the sauces and cheese, are certified gluten-free.

Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Garnishing: Fresh basil or parsley makes a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor to your baked ziti before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, Baked Ziti freezes well! Prepare the dish, but do not bake it.

Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze.

When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

What type of cheese can I use?

You can customize the cheese to your liking!

While the recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, you can also use provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and load up on veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

You can sauté them with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, you can use the microwave or oven.

If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

What can I serve with Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti pairs well with a variety of sides!

Consider serving it with garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

A side of marinara sauce can also be a nice touch for dipping.

Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, using store-bought marinara or pasta sauce can save time.

Just choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy, and you can skip the steps of making the sauce from scratch.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.

Just ensure to blend it well for a smooth texture.

How can I ensure the pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente before baking.

It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it helps maintain the perfect texture.

Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, you can prepare Baked Ziti in advance.

Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight.

Just add a bit of extra baking time if it’s chilled before cooking.

How do I know when the Baked Ziti is done?

The Baked Ziti is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the filling is heated through.

You can insert a knife in the center to check if it’s hot all the way through.