Classic Baked Ziti : ChefSane

Oh, Baked Ziti! Where should I start? That creamy, cheesy bite just takes you straight to food heaven. Baked Ziti, a true Italian classic, is perfect for any occasion. Hosting a party? Potluck with friends? Cozy Sunday lunch with family? Ziti has got your back. And why wouldn’t you love it? You’re looking at a delightful combo of zesty marinara, hearty pasta, rich ricotta, and melt-worthy mozzarella. Perfectly baked till golden brown, every bite of this dish guarantees a hit of pure, food-gasmic bliss.

And don’t worry about the cooking part. Creating this masterpiece doesn’t require you to be a Michelin starred chef. Just follow along, add a pinch of love (it’s cheesy, but it’s true), and in less than two hours, you’ll have a hot serving of Baked Ziti that’s enough to feed a hungry horde. Long story short, if you’re looking to impress, Classic Baked Ziti won’t let you down. So, without any further ado, let’s take a culinary trip to Italy.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Now, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to business! Prepare your taste buds for a sensational ride because this Baked Ziti is going to blow your mind!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

1 lb Ziti pasta
1 jar (24 oz) Marinara sauce
15 oz Ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Egg
2 teaspoons Garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipments:

Casserole Dish
Large pot

Ingredients in this recipe are simple but they play a vital role in giving that authentic Italian flavor. Marinara is the heart of this dish and Ricotta is the soul, they give that tangy, creamy texture we all love in our Ziti. Both cheeses on top blend to give that dreamy, golden brown crust.

How To Make Classic Baked Ziti

Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally until just tender. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse.
Meanwhile, combine Ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
Preheat oven to 375��F (190��C). Prepare a casserole dish by lightly spraying with cooking oil or smearing with a bit of butter.
Mix half of the marinara sauce with the drained pasta. Cover the base of the dish with a layer of this pasta, followed by spoonfuls of the cheese mixture, then cover this layer with the rest of the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until cheesy layer is bubbling and golden

Tips For The Best Results

Remember: the pasta will continue to cook inside the oven, so make sure you don��t overcook during boiling. Undercooking a bit is better.
Go for good quality mozzarella and Ricotta. It really makes a difference.

Storage Tips

It store well for up to a week in an airtight container inside the fridge. Properly stored, it can last 2-3 months in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Although ziti is traditional, any tube-shaped pasta would work.

Q: Can I substitute the cheese?

A: If you must, cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta, and a well-aged cheddar instead of Mozzarella.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: Absolutely! Just prepare the Ziti, cover it up, refrigerate, and bake the day you want to serve it.

Q: Is it a vegetarian dish?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.

Q: Can I add meat?

A: Certainly! Ground beef or Italian sausage would be fabulous additions.

Nutritional Facts of Classic Baked Ziti

There you have it �� a culinary trip to Italy in your very own kitchen. Classic Baked Ziti, an ultimate comfort food, a cheese lover’s blissful dream, a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and I guarantee you, your guests will be begging for the recipe. So, go ahead, tie that apron, fire up the oven, and get cookin’! Buon Appetito!