Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this ziti dish is a favorite for families everywhere. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, this meal will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why You Will Love This
This ziti dish is packed with cheese and sauce, making it rich and satisfying. It uses simple ingredients and comes together easily for a delicious meal. Perfect for a family dinner or when you have guests, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Quick prep means more time to enjoy with loved ones!
How to Make Ziti
Making this baked ziti is a breeze. You begin by cooking the pasta and mixing it with a creamy cheese sauce. Then, it’s baked to perfection in the oven until bubbly and golden. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe friendly and forgiving.
What You Need
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for the topping)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 15 oz drained diced tomatoes (or two fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend (grated Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese (can substitute with grated Monterey Jack)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Step-by-Step
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss the drained pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes bubbly and the cheeses melt. Remove from heat.
- Place the cooked pasta in an oven-safe serving dish. Pour the warm cheese marinara sauce evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend over the top. Evenly sprinkle the bread crumbs to create a crunchy topping.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Place the pan under the broiler just until the cheese topping turns bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish the baked ziti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy baked pasta hot from the oven!
How to Serve Ziti
This ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread. For a special touch, add some freshly chopped basil on top. It’s a fantastic meal for family nights, potlucks, or movie marathons. Serve it with a smile!
How to Store Ziti
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe dish. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- You can swap out the cheese based on your family’s favorites.
- Enjoy it fresh, but leftovers can also be delicious.
- Try adding vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
Variations & Swaps
- For a meat version, brown some ground beef or turkey and mix it in with the pasta.
- Make it vegetarian by adding fresh spinach or mushrooms.
- For a more indulgent version, try different cheese blends like cheddar or Gouda.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover the dish tightly with foil. This is perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
How do I reheat leftover ziti?
To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, covering it to keep it moist.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use any tomato sauce or even Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. Just be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Remember, it should be firm to the bite. Also, don’t skip the cooling step after broiling—let it rest for a few minutes before serving!
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For tossing the pasta.
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs For the crunchy topping.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Can use homemade or store-bought.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- 15 oz drained diced tomatoes Can substitute with two fresh tomatoes.
- 1 tsp sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend Includes Parmesan, Romano, Asiago.
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese Grated for melting.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss the drained pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese blend, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes bubbly and the cheeses melt. Remove from heat.
Baking
- Place the cooked pasta in an oven-safe serving dish. Pour the warm cheese marinara sauce evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese blend over the top. Evenly sprinkle the bread crumbs to create a crunchy topping.
- Preheat your oven broiler. Place the pan under the broiler just until the cheese topping turns bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish the baked ziti with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
