Easy Baked Ziti

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 2 cups ricotta cheese To make easy baked ziti, start with ziti pasta. This pasta shape holds sauce well. Next, you need olive oil to sauté the veggies. Onion adds sweetness, while garlic gives bold flavor. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Italian seasoning brings a nice herb taste. Marinara sauce ties everything together, making it juicy. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish. - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste For toppings, mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds stretch. Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves are optional but they add a fresh touch. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Large pot - Skillet - Mixing bowl - Baking dish - Aluminum foil You will need a few tools to make this dish. A large pot helps boil the pasta. Use a skillet for sautéing the vegetables. A mixing bowl is great for combining the ricotta and egg. A baking dish is where the magic happens. Finally, aluminum foil keeps the dish moist while it cooks. For the full recipe steps, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy the process of creating this tasty, easy baked ziti! 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfect bake. 2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. 3. Add 12 ounces of ziti pasta to the boiling water. Cook for about 7-9 minutes until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. 3. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced bell pepper. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. 4. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Pour in 1 jar of marinara sauce. 5. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. 2. In a large baking dish, combine the drained pasta with the marinara sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated. 3. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Gently fold to create a marbled effect. 4. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. 1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while baking. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. 4. Take the baked ziti out of the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This helps set the layers. Follow these steps for a delicious family meal. For detailed ingredients, check the Full Recipe. To make the best baked ziti, cook your pasta just right. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. If you overcook it, your dish may become mushy. Follow the package instructions closely for timing. Next, let your flavors meld during simmering. This step is crucial. When you simmer the marinara sauce with the sautéed veggies, it allows the tastes to blend. Allow it to simmer for about five minutes. This small step makes a big difference in flavor. Serving your baked ziti can be fun! For a family-style meal, use a large dish. Spoon out portions and let everyone serve themselves. For individual plates, use small bowls. This adds a nice touch and makes it feel special. To garnish effectively, sprinkle fresh basil and Parmesan cheese on top. This adds color and extra flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Remember, it should be al dente before baking. This helps it hold its shape and texture. Another mistake is skipping the resting time after baking. Let your ziti sit for about five minutes. This allows the layers to set. If you skip this step, it may fall apart when you serve it. For the full recipe, check out the reference above. Enjoy making your delicious baked ziti! {{image_4}} You can make baked ziti your own with simple swaps. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free ziti. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try cashew cheese or almond milk ricotta. These options taste great, too! To boost flavor, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. They mix well with the sauce and add nutrition. You can also try different meats. Ground beef, turkey, or sausage work well. They bring a hearty taste to the dish. Just cook the meat first, then mix it into the sauce. When serving baked ziti, pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. These sides balance the meal and add crunch. You can also transform your dish into a casserole. Just layer the ziti in a deep dish with extra cheese on top. Bake until bubbly for a fun twist! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your baked ziti fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of water helps keep it juicy. How long can baked ziti last? In the fridge, it can stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, it lasts about 3 months. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or it smells off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses for safety. Enjoy your tasty baked ziti! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. You can prepare baked ziti the night before. First, follow the recipe but stop before baking. Once you combine the pasta and sauce, place it in a baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, bake as instructed in the Full Recipe. This method keeps the flavors fresh and makes dinner a breeze! Baked ziti and lasagna differ in structure and ingredients. Baked ziti uses ziti pasta, while lasagna layers wide noodles. In baked ziti, you mix all ingredients together and bake. In lasagna, you layer noodles, sauce, and cheese. This gives lasagna a more structured look. Both are tasty, but baked ziti is easier and quicker to make. Yes, you can add more cheese! If you want extra cheesiness, try these tips. Use a mix of cheeses, like gouda or fontina, for more flavor. You can also increase the mozzarella or Parmesan. Just be careful not to overwhelm the dish. Balance is key. Too much cheese can make it greasy. Aim for a creamy texture without losing taste. Easy baked ziti can be healthy with some tweaks. The dish has carbs from pasta and protein from cheese. You can lighten it up by using whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Swap part of the ricotta for cottage cheese to cut calories. Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. This way, you enjoy a tasty dish that feels good to eat! Easy baked ziti is a simple dish that anyone can make at home. We covered the main ingredients, the right cooking tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and ways to add your twist to the recipe. Whether you want to make it healthier or add new flavors, the options are endless. Storing leftovers is easy, too! With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal tonight and again later. I hope you feel inspired to cook this tasty dish for your family and friends.$

Savor the goodness of Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight! This delicious and easy recipe combines ziti pasta, a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a gooey cheese topping for a warm and comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this baked ziti is sure to impress. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a must-try for any pasta lover. Click through to explore full cooking instructions and elevate your dinner game today!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a perfect bake.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the pepper is tender.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and pour in the marinara sauce. Season this mixture with salt and freshly ground pepper. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so that the flavors meld together.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

In a large baking dish, mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.

Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then gently fold it in without completely blending, creating a marbled effect.

Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.

Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set the layers. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked ziti in individual portions, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch. Enjoy alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!