Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta

This Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the ultimate comfort! Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese. Your new Sunday dinner staple! Get the Classic Baked Ziti Recipe here!

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Fancy a bit of italian comfort? have you ever craved a dish that just hugs you from the inside out? this baked ziti with ricotta is it! it's that perfect combination of cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This classic baked ziti recipe is a hearty italian-american casserole. its origin is humble, born from the desire to create a filling meal.

It's a pasta dinner perfect for sharing, serves 8-10, and takes about an hour to make. easy peasy!

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like baked ziti to bring folks together. it is a culinary masterpiece! think layers of perfectly cooked ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella.

This ziti recipe is proper family grub.

The Benefits Are Tasty

This italian dinner delivers pure comfort! the ricotta adds a creamy protein boost. the occasion is perfect for it. imagine serving this at your next family get-together.

What makes it special? simplicity and flavor, you see.

Gathering the Goods: Your Ingredients List

So, what do you need? first, let's sort out the sauce. you’ll need: olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Sounds like a proper italian flavour bomb, eh?

Then, we need the ricotta filling. Grab your ricotta, an egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Don't skimp on the cheese, alright?

And lastly, for the main event: ziti pasta, mozzarella, and extra Parmesan for topping. This Baked Pasta Recipe uses simple ingredients for maximum impact. It's a Pasta Dinner Recipe that always delivers.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make the ultimate baked ziti with ricotta . seriously, this classic baked ziti recipe is a game-changer for any pasta dinner .

Think of it as a warm hug on a plate. so comforting!

Ingredients & Equipment Deconstructed

Here's the breakdown of everything we need, no fluff.

Main Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality olive oil makes a difference. Trust me.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. Get one that feels firm.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is always best.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . Go for the good stuff, you know?
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . Basic is fine, but good quality shines.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential for that Italian flavor.
• Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon . Don’t skip it!
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a little zing.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon . Balances the acidity.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce/425g) container whole milk . Seriously, use whole milk, the texture is way better.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated . Freshly grated is always tastier.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup chopped . Adds a nice freshness.
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . It has to be ziti. I’m kidding... kinda.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (227g) , shredded. About 2 cups, pre-shredded is fine.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: for topping (optional).

Seasoning Notes

The secret to a great baked ziti sauce is the right blend of herbs. oregano and basil are your power couple here.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth. i sometimes add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers, just remember to take it out! you can easily sub dried italian seasoning if you're short on individual spices.

For flavor enhancers, a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of simmering the sauce gives it such a rich depth.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gear for this Pasta Dinner Recipes .

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Large skillet or saucepan: For the sauce. Honestly, anything will do.
• 9x13 inch baking dish : The star of the show.
• Mixing bowls: For mixing the ricotta filling.

Got no 9x13 baking dish? two smaller ones will work fine. you might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Honestly, this baked ziti recipe is pretty forgiving. speaking of forgiving, if you mess up somewhere, it will still taste amazing.

It is like salad pasta where everyone thinks you did it on purpose!

So, there you have it. Let's move on to the actual cooking! This Italian Dinner is about to make your kitchen smell amazing. Get ready for some serious comfort food, folks!

Alright, let's dive into making some proper comfort food. we're talking about baked ziti with ricotta , people. not just any pasta dish, mind you.

This is the classic baked ziti recipe , the kind of thing that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a big ol' slice.

Honestly, my nan used to make a baked ziti recipe just like this every christmas.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

First things first: prep work. essential mise en place is key. chop your onion (1 medium, yellow) and mince the garlic (2 cloves).

Measure out your spices. you know? get it all ready. trust me, it saves a world of time later. and for time-saving organization tips? get those ingredients lined up like soldiers.

It's like having your own cooking show. safety reminder: don't chop your fingers off. blunt knives are the worst for accidents!

Let's Bake Some Ziti!

Alright, here’s the actual cooking bit:

1. Get your pasta cooked al dente. Boil 1 pound (454g) of ziti. This is important. Don't overcook it!
2. Make the sauce. Sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil. Smells amazing, doesn’t it? Add the crushed tomatoes ( 28 ounce/794g can), tomato sauce ( 15 ounce/425g can), and spices. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes .
3. Mix up the ricotta filling. Combine ricotta ( 15 ounce/425g container), egg (1 large), Parmesan ( 1/4 cup ), parsley ( 1/4 cup ), salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C).
5. Layer it up! Sauce, pasta, ricotta mix, mozzarella ( 8 ounces/227g ). Then repeat.
6. Bake it! Cover with foil for 20 minutes , then uncovered for another 10- 20 minutes . Cheese should be bubbly.
7. Rest before serving. This is vital. Give it 10 minutes .

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Here are a couple of tricks i picked up. first, don't skimp on the ricotta. using full-fat stuff makes a huge difference.

Next, if you are planning pasta dinners, and if you are doing this in advance, assemble the dish but don't bake it.

Freeze it for up to 3 months. thaw overnight. seriously, frozen baked ziti is a lifesaver. you can even try different versions such as the salad pasta .

Try this baked pasta recipes and experience the italian dinner .

So there you have it: a cheesy baked ziti with ricotta . i'm telling you, this recipe is fantastic. you won't regret making this hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Don't forget that this will be one of your favorite pasta dinner recipes

Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Ziti with Ricotta Ever!

Alright, so you're about to make some seriously good baked ziti with ricotta . but before you dive in, let's chat about some extra bits to make your classic baked ziti recipe even more awesome.

I've learned a few things over the years making countless trays of this!

Serving Up Some Happiness

Thinking about presentation? Plating can totally make a difference. After baking, let it rest. Then, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. It's a simple trick. It makes it look fancy, you know?

For sides, you can’t go wrong with garlic bread, because...garlic bread. a fresh salad pasta is also fab for balancing out the richness.

Honestly, a glass of chianti is always a good shout too! it’s bellissimo !

Storage Secrets!

Right, so you’ve made a huge batch of Baked Ziti Recipe . What to do with leftovers?

Refrigeration: pop it in the fridge within 2 hours. it will keep for 3-4 days. freezing: oh my gosh, this freezes great! wrap it well.

It lasts for up to 3 months. just defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating is easy. Oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or zap it in the microwave, but the oven is best!

Variations: Spice it up!

Want to mix things up? You got it!

Dietary Adaptations: Need gluten-free? Use gluten-free Ziti Recipes pasta. You know, there are many good ones now. For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In summer, toss in some roasted veggies. Zucchini or peppers taste amazing in this Baked Pasta Recipes . Honestly, it gives it a fresh twist.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let’s keep it real. this italian dinner is comforting. but not exactly health food. each serving has approximately 450-550 calories.

It is packed with protein from the cheese and egg though. also, the tomatoes have lycopene. lycopene is an antioxidant.

Key benefits include satiety and happy tummies!

So there you have it! some extra tips and tricks. i think they will help you make the best baked ziti ever.

Go on, give it a go! you’ll absolutely nail it! and remember to have fun. after all, cooking should be enjoyable.

And this pasta dinners , or maybe even pasta dinner recipes , should be a home run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time? I'm juggling more than Mary Berry on Bake Off!

Absolutely! Assembling your baked ziti with ricotta a day or two in advance is a total winner. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like batch cooking, but more Italian!

My ricotta is a bit watery. Will that ruin my baked ziti?

Excess moisture in ricotta can make your baked ziti a bit soggy, which is no good, right? Pop the ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve and let it drain in the fridge for a couple of hours before using. This removes the excess water and gives you that perfect creamy texture we're after, innit.

What's the best way to store leftover baked ziti with ricotta? Does it freeze well?

Leftover baked ziti is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave. Think of it as your own personal ready-meal!

Can I add meat to my baked ziti with ricotta? My family are real carnivores!

You bet! Adding meat is a fantastic way to beef up your baked ziti. Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef with the onions and garlic at the beginning of the sauce-making process. Drain off any excess grease, and then proceed with the recipe as directed. Your family will thank you for it, guaranteed.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any lighter variations of baked ziti with ricotta?

Definitely! Use part-skim ricotta cheese to lower the fat content. You can also add vegetables like roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Consider using whole wheat ziti pasta for added fiber. Each substitution is a step in making the dish much more health-friendly!

My baked ziti with ricotta is browning too quickly in the oven. Help!

If the top of your baked ziti is browning too fast, simply tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This will prevent it from burning while allowing the inside to heat through properly. It's a trick as old as the hills, but works every time!

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