Easy Baked Ziti: A Hearty and Delicious Dish Perfect for Any Occasion
Imagine a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting—enter Easy Baked Ziti, the perfect solution for those seeking a satisfying meal without the hassle. This dish combines the rich, tangy flavors of tomato sauce with the creaminess of cheese and the chewiness of pasta, creating a culinary experience that’s hard to resist.
Why should you try Easy Baked Ziti? Let’s start with its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it’s rich and flavorful enough to impress guests during gatherings. If you’re a fan of our Classic Spaghetti, you’ll love how this recipe brings a similar sense of warmth but with a twist that elevates it to something special. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this comforting and delicious recipe!
What is Easy Baked Ziti?
The name “Easy Baked Ziti” might leave you wondering, “Why ‘Easy’ and ‘Ziti’?” The secret lies in its simplicity and the pasta it uses. “Ziti” refers to a tubular Italian pasta, making this dish a perfect blend of tradition and ease. This recipe is all about bringing the best of both worlds—rich flavors and quick preparation.
Legend has it that Easy Baked Ziti was created by a busy home cook who wanted a hearty meal without the hassle. As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish speaks directly to that, offering comfort and joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Ziti
- Creamy and Flavorful:
The highlight of this dish is its rich, tangy tomato sauce, perfectly balanced with the creaminess of cheese and the chewiness of ziti pasta. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. - Cost-Saving Benefits:
Making this dish at home is an excellent way to save money while enjoying a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you might already have in your pantry. - Customizable Ingredients:
While the classic recipe is always a hit, feel free to enhance it with your favorite toppings like spinach, mushrooms, or even a dollop of pesto.
If you’re a fan of our Creamy Tomato Pasta, you’ll love how this recipe takes those beloved flavors and elevates them into a hearty, baked dish. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes, this Easy Baked Ziti is sure to be a new favorite.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti
Quick Overview
This recipe is a heartwarming combination of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: Fresh basil, sliced pepperoni, or additional cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. - Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined. - Assemble the Dish:
In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture. - Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil or additional cheese if desired.
What to Serve Easy Baked Ziti With
- Side of Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Green Salad: Add freshness with a crisp side salad.
- Homemade Soup: Pair with a bowl of hearty tomato soup for a complete meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Baked Ziti
- Use Quality Pasta Sauce: Opt for a good-quality pasta sauce, or make your own foradded flavor.
- Add Your Favorites: Customize with your favorite veggies like spinach or broccoli.
- Prep in Advance: Prepare the dish up to an hour ahead, then pop in the oven when ready to serve.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven for a crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
Easy Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds—the comfort of a cozy dinner and the excitement of a hearty, flavorful dish. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary adventure. Happy baking! 😊
Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar 24 oz pasta sauce (or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings: Fresh basil sliced pepperoni, or additional cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil or additional cheese if desired.
- What to Serve Easy Baked Ziti With
- Side of Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Green Salad: Add freshness with a crisp side salad.
- Homemade Soup: Pair with a bowl of hearty tomato soup for a complete meal.
- Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Baked Ziti
- Use Quality Pasta Sauce: Opt for a good-quality pasta sauce, or make your own foradded flavor.
- Add Your Favorites: Customize with your favorite veggies like spinach or broccoli.
- Prep in Advance: Prepare the dish up to an hour ahead, then pop in the oven when ready to serve.
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven for a crisp finish.
- Final Thoughts
- Easy Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds—the comfort of a cozy dinner and the excitement of a hearty, flavorful dish. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a recipe that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.
- So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful culinary adventure. Happy baking! 😊
