Baked Ziti is a delicious pasta dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. The best part about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a classic baked ziti that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Contents
Health Benefits
- Whole grain pasta: If you choose to use whole grain ziti pasta, you’ll be getting a good dose of fiber, which helps to keep you full and promotes digestive health.
- Lean protein: If you include ground beef in your recipe, you’ll be getting a good source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Vegetables: The marinara sauce used in this recipe typically contains a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. These ingredients are high in vitamins and minerals, making this dish a nutritious choice.
- Calcium: The mozzarella cheese used in this recipe is a good source of calcium, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones.
How To Make Baked Ziti Easy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that’s both delicious and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a piping hot pan of baked ziti ready to serve in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ziti pasta
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
EQUIPMENT
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Oven mitts
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Season the ziti mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the ziti mixture into the dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the ziti mixture.
Step 7: Bake the ziti in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Step 10: Serve the baked ziti hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients: For the best results, use high-quality marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. This will ensure that your baked ziti has the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and will not hold up well in the baking dish. Make sure to follow the instructions on the pasta package carefully and cook the ziti just until it’s al dente.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more salt and pepper to the ziti mixture if needed. You can also add other seasonings, such as dried basil or oregano, to enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 448 kcal
- Sugar: 7.6g
- Sodium: 395.3mg
- Fat: 6.9g
- Carbohydrates: 67.6g
- Protein: 24.9g
- Cholesterol: 18.4mg
Keywords: How To Make Baked Ziti Easy,Make Baked Ziti Easy
Conclusions
In conclusion, making baked ziti is a quick and simple process that results in a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield delicious results every time. So why wait? Get in the kitchen and start baking up a storm! With its warm and comforting flavor, this baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!