IRRESISTIBLE BAKED ZITI RECIPE

Imagine digging into a bubbling, cheesy casserole filled with tender ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta layer that melts in your mouth with every bite. This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks with friends, and I promise you, this Baked Ziti recipe will become your go-to for satisfying comfort food!

The Magic Behind This Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ingredients

Let’s gather everything we need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples! This Baked Ziti Recipe is one of the easiest pasta dinners you can whip up!

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk is best for creaminess!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Topping:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Perfect Baked Ziti

Alright, friend, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your Baked Ziti turns out perfectly. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to adjust things to your liking. This will be one of your favorite Ziti Recipes before you know it!

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This is crucial! Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and egg.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about half of the tomato sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated.
4. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
6. Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta cheese.
7. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection!

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
4. Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Baked Ziti

Okay, friend, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some ways to really make your Baked Ziti shine. Little tweaks can make a big difference!

Spice It Up!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some Italian sausage can add a delicious kick. You can also add some browned ground beef or turkey to the sauce for a heartier meal.

Cheese, Please!

While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to mix things up with other cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of sharp cheddar can add interesting flavor dimensions. Just make sure the cheese melts well!

Herbs Are Your Friends

Fresh herbs are always a welcome addition to any pasta dish. Besides parsley, try adding some chopped fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce or the cheese filling. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Make It Ahead

Baked Ziti is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re expecting guests.

Freezer-Friendly

Baked Ziti also freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This is a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have time to cook!

What to Serve With Your Baked Ziti

This Baked Ziti Recipe is pretty satisfying on its own, but it’s even better with a few complementary sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Baked Ziti.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful additions.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing of a Caesar salad complements the Baked Ziti beautifully.

Baked Ziti vs. Lasagna: What’s the Difference?

While both Baked Ziti and lasagna are delicious Baked Pasta Recipes, there are a few key differences. Lasagna uses wide, flat noodles layered with sauce, cheese, and often meat. Baked Ziti, on the other hand, uses ziti pasta (tube-shaped) and is typically mixed together rather than layered. Both are fantastic Pasta Dinners!

Other Delicious Pasta Dinner Ideas

If you’re looking for more easy and satisfying pasta recipes, here are a few of my favorites:

• Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl!
• Lasagna Soup: Another amazing take on the classic.
• Lasagna Soup: You can never have too many lasagna soup recipes!
• Stuffed Shells: Jumbo pasta shells filled with ricotta cheese and baked in tomato sauce.
• Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna: A super easy and cheesy weeknight meal.

These are all great options for those busy weeknights when you need Fast Dinner Recipes!

Enjoy Your Homemade Baked Ziti!

There you have it! Your very own, incredibly delicious Baked Ziti. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, a cozy family dinner, or even just a satisfying meal for yourself. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see your cheesy, bubbly masterpieces! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Baked Ziti

Alice Yowell

This baked ziti recipe features tender ziti pasta, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta cheese filling. Topped with melted mozzarella, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easily customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 8

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• saucepan
• Medium bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Colander
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
• Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and egg.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about half of the tomato sauce. Ensure the pasta is well coated.
• Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
• Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta cheese.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
• Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add browned ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the flavor. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, or frozen for up to 3 months. Add 10-20 minutes to baking time if baking from refrigerated or frozen.