Ziti is a classic Italian pasta dish that can be made with various sauces. This recipe for baked ziti with ricotta cheese is one of our favorites because it is simple to make and tastes delicious.
The ricotta cheese combined with the tomato sauce and pasta makes for a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Suppose you are looking for an easy yet delicious baked ziti recipe.
Look no further!
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a large crowd. You’ll love how simple it is to make – just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake!
Give this recipe a try today. You won’t be disappointed.
What is the best cheese for this recipe?
Many types of cheese can be used in a ziti recipe, but ricotta cheese is the best option. Ricotta is creamy and flavorful and pairs well with tomato sauce and pasta.
It is also a relatively mild cheese, so it won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish. In addition, ricotta cheese is relatively easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
For these reasons, ricotta cheese is the best cheese for this ziti recipe.
How long does it take to bake Ziti?
When making a baked ziti dish, the pasta is first cooked in boiling water until it is al dente.
The ziti is then combined with sauce and other ingredients, such as cheese and meat, and baked in the oven until hot and bubbly.
The bake time will vary depending on the recipe, but most baked ziti dishes take about 30 minutes to prepare.
What do I need for this recipe?
For this recipe, you will need: ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, an egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Ziti is a type of pasta that is traditionally made from durum wheat flour. Ziti can be used in various dishes, but it is most commonly associated with baked casseroles.
Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ziti pasta
- 1 jar Marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 container Ricotta cheese (15 oz)
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
- Mix marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Drain ziti pasta and add it to the sauce mixture.
- Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Can I add or replace some ingredients?
Yes, a few ingredients can be added or replaced in this recipe.
For example, add ground beef, sausage, or vegetables to the sauce mixture.
You could also use a different type of cheese in place of the ricotta, such as cottage cheese or goat cheese.
Lastly, you could use a different type of pasta, such as penne or Rigatoni.
Tips to know if ziti is perfectly baked
Do you love ziti pasta but are never quite sure if you’ve baked it long enough? Here are a few simple tips to ensure a perfectly cooked ziti every time:
- First, to ensure your ziti is properly baked, start boiling the pasta until they are al dente. And always preheat your oven. According to the recipe instructions, pasta bakes best in a hot oven, so it’s important to give the pasta a head start.
- Next, be sure to use enough sauce. The sauce should coat all of the pasta with just a little leftover.
- Finally, don’t be afraid to bake the pasta until it is nice and tender. Most recipes call for a shorter bake time, but if you like your pasta on the softer side, feel free to add a few minutes to the bake time. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfectly cooked ziti pasta every time!
Tips and tricks for a better recipe
First of all, use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- For a cheesy dish, use mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add some chopped cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for extra protein.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor.
- To make a vegetarian dish, use a vegetable-based marinara sauce.
- Add some red pepper flakes to the recipe for a little spice.
- Use whole-wheat ziti pasta for a healthier dish.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese to save calories.
- Bake the ziti in a disposable aluminum pan for easy cleanup.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
And finally, reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven before serving. This recipe can be easily halved for a smaller dish.
How to reheat baked Ziti?
One of the great things about ziti is that it reheats well. To reheat, simply place the ziti in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
Then, bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
You can also add a bit of marinara sauce or cheese to the dish before reheating to help give the ziti a fresh flavor.
Whatever method you choose, reheating ziti is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Things to serve with this recipe
1. Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan: Cut broccoli into florets, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and roast in a 425-degree F oven for 15-20 minutes.
2. Green Salad: A simple green salad is the perfect side dish for this recipe. Try adding some cherry tomatoes, croutons, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
3. Garlic Bread: Serve this recipe with a loaf of garlic bread for a complete meal.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Cut Brussels sprouts in half, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a 425-degree F oven for 15-20 minutes.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Serve this recipe with a side of mashed potatoes. Add some butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Steamed Vegetables: With this recipe, steam your favorite vegetables and serve them as a side dish.
7. Roasted Cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into florets, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in a 425-degree F oven for 15-20 minutes.
8. Macaroni and Cheese: This baked ziti recipe would be great served with a side of macaroni and cheese.
9. Fried Plantains: Serve this recipe with a side of fried plantains.
10. Rice and Beans: Serve this recipe with a side of rice and beans.
11. Breadsticks: Breadsticks are always a good idea when you’re serving pasta.
12. Aperitif: An aperitif is a great way to whet your appetite before digging into this dish.
Final Words
This is the best-baked ziti recipe that is made with ricotta cheese. It is easy to follow and can be easily customized to your liking. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or to bring to a potluck. It can be served with a side of garlic bread or green salad. Enjoy!
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