Description
Creamy, hearty cheesy easy baked ziti brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with layers of melted cheese and rich marinara. Pasta lovers will savor this classic casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Dairy:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
Pasta Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti noodles
Sauce:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) pasta sauce (your favorite variety)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect culinary environment for your ziti creation.
- Fill a substantial cooking vessel with water, liberally season with salt, and immerse ziti noodles until they reach al dente perfection. Drain thoroughly and return pasta to its original container.
- Craft a luscious cheese amalgamation by blending half the mozzarella, entire ricotta quantity, and pasta sauce into a harmonious mixture. Stir until the texture becomes uniformly creamy and inviting.
- Gently fold the cooked ziti into the cheese and sauce concoction, ensuring each noodle becomes thoroughly enrobed with the rich, velvety coating.
- Prepare a spacious baking vessel with nonstick spray, then meticulously distribute the pasta mixture, creating an even landscape of deliciousness.
- Generously cascade the remaining mozzarella across the pasta’s surface, covering every inch with a potential golden-cheese blanket.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for approximately 20 minutes. For those desiring a caramelized cheese crown, activate the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Extract the bubbling masterpiece, permitting it to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving. Slice and present this comforting culinary creation while still radiating warmth.
Notes
- Customize sauce intensity by selecting marinara, arrabbiata, or vodka sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free ziti or whole wheat varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles during cheese mixture preparation.
- Create a lighter version by using part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese, reducing overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 532
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg