If you're looking for a cozy meal that hits the spot, baked ziti is the way to go. It's hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. From classic marinara to a creamy Alfredo twist, there's a version for everyone. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies or spice things up with sausage and peppers. Sounds tempting, right? Stick around to discover these five mouthwatering recipes that will make dinner a breeze!
Classic Baked Ziti With Marinara Sauce
Classic Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines al dente ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. With its layers of gooey cheese and hearty sauce, it's sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining marinara sauce and topping with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the marinara sauce.
You can also customize your baked ziti by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
If you want a crispy top, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Creamy Alfredo Baked Ziti
Creamy Alfredo Baked Ziti is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American comfort food. This dish combines tender ziti pasta with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, shredded chicken (if using), ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta mixture.
You can also substitute the chicken with cooked Italian sausage or keep it vegetarian by omitting any meat. To improve the creaminess of the dish, add a splash of heavy cream to the Alfredo sauce.
If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the baked ziti for a couple of minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Enjoy your creamy Alfredo baked ziti!
Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti
Veggie-Packed Baked Ziti is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of baked pasta with an array of colorful vegetables. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition while still enjoying a classic favorite.
With layers of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, this baked ziti is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, cooking until softened. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, and then the remaining ziti. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand; broccoli, carrots, or even eggplant can work wonderfully.
For added flavor, consider roasting the vegetables beforehand or seasoning them with your favorite herbs. If you want a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and it also freezes well for future meals. Just be sure to let it thaw before baking. Enjoy garnished with fresh basil for an extra touch!
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ziti pasta with the kick of spicy sausage and the sweetness of bell peppers.
This comforting meal is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, as it can be easily prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. It's a crowd-pleaser that balances spicy and savory flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and add the spicy sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Cook until browned, then add the diced bell peppers, onion, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage and pepper mixture, and ricotta cheese until well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Baked Ziti, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sausage mixture while it simmers, as it will deepen the complete taste.
You can also customize the heat level by choosing mild or hot sausage and adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
For a creamier texture, you can mix in some heavy cream with the ricotta cheese.
Finally, let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving; this allows the layers to set and makes for easier slicing!
Pesto Baked Ziti With Mozzarella and Spinach
Pesto Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Spinach is a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish that combines the flavors of fresh basil pesto, creamy mozzarella cheese, and nutritious spinach.
This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of al dente pasta, vibrant pesto, and melted cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped spinach, basil pesto, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to verify the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle pine nuts on top if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken to the pasta mixture before baking.
You can also customize the dish by incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit of ricotta cheese with the pesto before combining it with the pasta.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy your Pesto Baked Ziti!