It is 6pm and your kitchen needs a win. You want something warm, filling, and incredibly easy to make. This Baked Ziti Delight is the answer to your busy evening.
There is something magical about the smell of melting cheese on a cold winter night. This dish delivers pure comfort in every single bite. Your family will love the golden cheese crust and tender pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy families. It uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now. You can get it in the oven in just twenty minutes.
It is also very budget-friendly and feeds a large crowd. The leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. It is the perfect solution for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
The blend of three cheeses creates a rich and creamy texture. Every noodle gets coated in savory marinara and smooth ricotta. It is truly a crowd-pleasing meal for all ages.
Simple Method
Do not feel intimidated by a pasta bake. This method is straightforward and very beginner-friendly. You simply boil the pasta and mix your cheese filling.
Layering the ingredients takes only a few minutes of your time. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this dish. The oven does all the heavy lifting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh ingredients and pantry staples come together for the best flavor.
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, sautéed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- In a separate large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta and sauce, stirring gently to create streaks of cheese throughout the dish.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this Baked Ziti Delight while it is steaming hot. The cheese should be stretchy and gooey on your plate. It looks beautiful when garnished with fresh green parsley.
Pair this hearty meal with a crisp green salad. A simple balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the rich cheese perfectly. You can also add warm garlic bread for dipping.
For a cozy night in, light a candle and enjoy. This meal makes any normal Tuesday feel like a special occasion. It is pure soul-warming comfort in a bowl.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container for up to four days. This makes a fantastic grab-and-go lunch for work.
To reheat, use the oven or the microwave. For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. This keeps the cheese topping nice and bubbly.
You can also freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake as directed for a ready-made holiday meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Under有意cook your pasta by two minutes so it stays firm.
- Don’t skip the egg because it binds the ricotta mixture together.
- Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest possible texture.
- Sauté the garlic briefly to remove the raw bite.
- Let the dish rest for ten minutes after baking to set.
- Freshly grated parmesan adds much more flavor than the canned kind.
- For a winter twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta.
- Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add cooked ground turkey or beef for extra protein.
- Stir in some fresh baby spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish allergy-friendly.
- Swap the marinara for an alfredo sauce for a white ziti.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day early. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready. Just add five minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
You can easily use penne or rigatoni instead. Any short, tubular pasta will hold the sauce well. Just follow the same al dente cooking rule.
Is this recipe kid-approved?
Absolutely, kids love the simple flavors and melty cheese. It is a picky-eater friendly meal that everyone enjoys. It is a frequent request in my house!
I hope this cozy recipe brings a little extra warmth to your table tonight. It is the perfect way to slow down and enjoy a meal with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Baked Ziti Delight
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg , lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, sautéed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- In a separate large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta and sauce, stirring gently to create streaks of cheese throughout the dish.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
