![To make Cheesy Baked Ziti, you need a few simple items. Each ingredient plays a key role. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The ziti pasta is the base. It holds the sauce and cheese well. Marinara sauce adds flavor and moisture. Ricotta cheese gives a creamy layer. The shredded mozzarella melts nicely, while Parmesan adds a salty bite. The egg helps to bind the cheese mixture. Dried Italian herbs enhance the taste. Salt and pepper bring out the flavors of the dish. Finally, fresh basil makes a lovely garnish. This blend of ingredients creates a rich and comforting meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. First, you need to cook the ziti pasta. Boil a big pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the right time. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Then, add one large egg to the bowl. Toss in dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it's creamy and smooth. Now, it’s time to build your dish! Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a large baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Then, add half of the cheese mixture on top and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat this with the rest of the ziti, the remaining cheese mixture, and finally, the last of the marinara sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil. This helps the cheese brown nicely. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for about five minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked ziti! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Ovens can vary in heat. Check the bake time closely. I suggest starting with 20 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and turn golden. If your oven runs hot, cut back on the time. If it runs cool, add a few more minutes. This way, your ziti will cook just right. Want to mix up the flavors? Try different cheeses! Instead of ricotta, you could use cottage cheese for a lighter taste. Swap mozzarella for provolone for a more robust flavor. You can even add goat cheese for a tangy twist. Each cheese brings its own charm to the dish. Experiment until you find your favorite combo! Pair your cheesy baked ziti with simple sides. A fresh green salad works great to balance the rich flavors. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and is perfect for dipping. For a splash of color, consider adding some cherry tomatoes on top. Serve it all on a big plate for a cozy family meal. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can make Cheesy Baked Ziti a veggie delight. Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms boosts flavor and nutrition. Spinach adds a mild taste and bright color. Mushrooms bring an earthy depth. Just sauté them before mixing into the cheese filling. You can also use zucchini or bell peppers for variety. If you love meat, try a meat lover's twist. Incorporating ground beef or sausage makes the dish heartier. Brown the meat first to add rich flavor. Mix it with the marinara sauce before layering. This option is perfect for those who want extra protein in their meal. For those avoiding gluten, there are great pasta options. You can use gluten-free ziti or penne. They cook just like regular pasta and taste great too. Be sure to check the package for cooking instructions. This way, everyone can enjoy Cheesy Baked Ziti without worry. For the full recipe, visit the [Full Recipe]. To keep cheesy baked ziti fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it's warm throughout before serving. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry out. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. For freezing, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven as mentioned above. This keeps the texture nice and cheesy. For the full recipe, check back on the ingredients list. Yes, you can make Cheesy Baked Ziti ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit out for about 30 minutes. Then, bake as normal. This makes weeknight dinners easy! You will know the cheese is melted when it looks bubbly and golden brown. After baking, the edges should be crisp, and the center hot. Try to resist peeking too soon! Let it rest for five minutes before serving, which helps the cheese set slightly. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne, shells, or fusilli work well too. Just cook them until al dente, just like ziti. This way, they hold their shape and soak up the sauce nicely. Feel free to get creative with your favorite pasta! This recipe serves six people. Each serving has about 450 calories, with 20 grams of protein and 25 grams of fat. It also has around 45 grams of carbs. These numbers can change based on your cheese and sauce choices. Always check labels for exact values. Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled. Just use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time a bit. Check the center to make sure it is hot. You can also make two smaller dishes if you want to freeze one for later. Perfect for big family gatherings! You learned how to make cheesy baked ziti from start to finish. We covered all the ingredients, from pasta to cheese, and went through each step clearly. You can add variations for different tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Remember to store leftovers well and use the right methods to reheat. Cheesy baked ziti is a tasty dish that suits many occasions. Enjoy making this easy and delicious meal with your personal touch!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7cd17b61-95fb-4820-bc34-f21da705f198-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Baked Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, it's packed with rich flavors from marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. In just under an hour, you can whip up this cheesy delight that will impress everyone at the table. Click through for step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering dish!