Easy Baked Ziti
+2 photos

Easy Baked Ziti

8 servings
This baked ziti with ricotta recipe cooks ziti pasta in a creamy spaghetti sauce with two other Italian cheeses — mozzarella and Parmesan.

Ingredients

  • package ziti pasta
    1
  • ricotta cheese
    24 oz
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
    1 lb
  • egg

    beaten

    1
  • jar spaghetti sauce
    1
  • grated parmesan cheese
    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse.

  3. 3

    Combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, and 1 ½ cups spaghetti sauce in a medium bowl.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Transfer into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

    Step 5
Easy Baked Ziti
+2

Easy Baked Ziti

60 min8 servings703 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for that ultimate comforting casserole that brings everyone to the table? This Easy Baked Ziti recipe delivers a supremely cheesy, deeply satisfying Italian-American classic perfect for any night of the week.

What makes this baked ziti truly effortless and delicious is the clever combination of creamy ricotta, savory Parmesan, and melty mozzarella, all bound together with a convenient jar of spaghetti sauce. The addition of a beaten egg to the ricotta mixture creates an extra rich and stable filling that won't get watery, ensuring every bite is pure comfort. It's a simple approach that yields impressive results, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Imagine tender ziti pasta, coated in a vibrant spaghetti sauce, nestled amongst generous dollops of a rich ricotta mixture. As it bakes, the mozzarella and Parmesan on top melt into a glorious, bubbling, golden crust, while the interior remains wonderfully creamy and flavorful. This dish is a hearty, wholesome dinner that promises a symphony of cheesy goodness and comforting textures, evoking the warmth of a homemade Italian meal without the fuss.

Customization & Variations

While perfect as is, you can easily customize this baked ziti. For a heartier meal, consider adding browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken to your spaghetti sauce. To sneak in extra vegetables, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and layer them in with the pasta and cheese. You could also experiment with different herb additions, like fresh basil or oregano, sprinkled over the layers for an aromatic boost.

This baked ziti is ideal for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a comforting potluck contribution. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete a wonderfully satisfying meal.

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