Baked Ziti
on Mar 09, 2021
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Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that appeals to the masses. My version is made with noodles, homemade tomato sauce, and heaps of cheese.
Baked ziti is a pasta dish that easily feeds a large group of people and is simple to make. It is very similar to lasagna, but is so much easier to put together without comprising any of the deliciousness.
Table of Contents
Baked Ziti
There is something so comforting about a pasta dish. It just feels like down home cooking to me. The smell of tomato sauce and cheese baking can transport me immediately to being around a large table with my family growing up. Funny how smells can do such a thing.
Adults and children alike enjoy baked ziti. It is inexpensive to make and comes together quickly. I’ve made this dish for friends that have had a baby or a recent surgery and it has been so well received.
Do I have to use ziti noodles for baked ziti?
I have used ziti or penne pasta and it has turned out great with either option. Penne pasta is easier to find. They are both tube-like in shape and that is what you want because cheese and sauce gets captured in them to make it so tasty.
How do I keep my baked ziti from being too dry?
This is a common mistake with other baked ziti recipes. Some recipes don’t call for an ample amount of sauce and the dish ends up being dry and bland. The secret is to be very generous with your sauce. Make it more saucy than you think and the results will be fabulous.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Baked ziti is a great candidate to make ahead and freeze for later. I like to take the baked ziti out of the freezer the night before to thaw so it will be ready to bake or reheat the next day.
I’ve been know to make a double batch of baked ziti so that I can do the work once and enjoy my efforts for 2 meals or take the dish to a friend.
More easy pasta recipes:
- Easy Roasted Tomato & Sausage Pasta
- Skillet Taco Pasta made with ground beef
- Sausage and Pumpkin Pasta
- One Pot Pasta Primavera
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 12 ounces 3 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ pounds 7 ½ cups ziti
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400℉.
- Mix ricotta, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts of water to boil in Dutch oven. Add 1 ½ tablespoons salt and pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 ½ cups pasta cooking water, drain pasta, and set aside.
- Dry emptied pot, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, garlic, and pepper flakes, and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Take off heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cooked pasta and reserved cooking water.
- Pour half of pasta-sauce mixture into 9-inch by 13-inch dish. Dollop large spoonfuls of ricotta mixture over pasta. Pour remaining sauce mixture over top and sprinkle mozzarella mixture on top.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until filling is bubbling and cheese has started to brown.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and serve.
Nutrition
This Baked ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It is great for a busy weeknight meal, to take to a potluck, or to bring to someone who needs a little extra love. I can’t wait for you to try this baked pasta and cheesy goodness.
