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Comforting Baked Ziti Recipe Easy Cheesy Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe that is cheesy, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh cheeses, this dish delivers rich flavor and a bubbly golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing and drizzling
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces (800 g) crushed tomatoes, canned
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth, to loosen sauce if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ziti and cook for 8 minutes, just shy of al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 28 ounces (800 g) crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
  5. Add 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add up to 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or vegetable broth if sauce is too thick.
  6. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella, and half the Parmesan (1/4 cup or 25 g). Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the sauce, stirring gently to coat all noodles.
  8. Spread half the sauced pasta in the baking dish. Dollop half the cheese mixture evenly over it, then sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
  9. Top the assembled ziti with the remaining 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella and 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly undercooked before baking to avoid mushiness. Use fresh mozzarella for best melting and creaminess. Layer sauce and cheese thoughtfully to prevent dry spots. Let the dish rest after baking to firm up layers. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. You can prepare the dish a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner, baked pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/comforting-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-cheesy-crowd-pleasing-dinner/