Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti - A Family Favorite Dinner
45
min
376
Calories
19g
Fats
33g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Discover the joy of making a comforting, cheesy baked ziti that's perfect for family dinners. Packed with rich flavors, creamy ricotta, and a golden cheese topping, this recipe offers a delightful taste in every bite.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your kitchen is warm and ready for baking. While the oven preheats, take this time to gather all your ingredients, envisioning the delicious meal you're about to create. Preheating is essential for a perfect bake!
Pro Tip: Ensuring the oven is fully preheated keeps cooking times accurate.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook 1 pound of ziti according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. This is crucial; you want the pasta slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven, soaking up the flavorful sauce and achieving that perfect texture. After draining, place the ziti in a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for a cozy blend of cheese and pasta.
Pro Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it doesn't become mushy after baking.
Step 3: Mix Ricotta
To the ricotta cheese, add salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix these together until you have a creamy and well-seasoned ricotta blend. This mixture will add a creamy, indulgent layer to your baked ziti, so don't be shy with the seasoning. Taste as you go!
Pro Tip: Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Mix the seasoned ricotta cheese and one cup of the shredded mozzarella with the cooked ziti in the large bowl. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese mixture. This step is where your dish starts to take on its character, with each piece of pasta getting a generous hug of creamy cheese.
Pro Tip: Gentle stirring prevents pasta from breaking and ensures even coverage.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish
Use cooking spray to grease a 13x9 inch baking dish. This step ensures that your baked ziti can be served beautifully without sticking and breaking apart. It's these little preparations that make the final presentation as delicious to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Pro Tip: Coating the pan evenly with spray prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Step 6: Layer the Ziti
Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the cheese and pasta mixture over the sauce. Carefully pour the remaining sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the pasta evenly. These layers work together in the oven, melding flavors and textures into a dish that sings with each bite.
Pro Tip: Layering sauce beneath and atop ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the sauce-covered pasta. Then, scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top. As this bakes, the cheese will become a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness, the hallmark of a perfect baked zita.
Pro Tip: The cheese layer will turn golden and bubbly, watch it doesn't burn.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible, signaling a heartwarming meal that's ready to gather everyone around the table. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to slice.
Pro Tip: Letting it stand before serving makes it easier to cut and serve.
