Craving a comforting, cheesy meal that’s sure to please everyone? Look no further than this Cheesy Baked Ziti! Packed with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this dish is the perfect balance of hearty and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti
This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a lifesaver for busy nights! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for those evenings when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything in between. The rich flavors and creamy texture will have your family raving about dinner. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both satisfying and simple? It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ziti
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Cheesy Baked Ziti. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite a cheesy delight.
Extra virgin olive oil: A splash of this adds richness and depth to your sautéed vegetables.
Onion: Finely chopped, it brings sweetness and flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant kick that elevates the overall taste.
Ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage: Choose turkey for a leaner option or sausage for a flavor-packed punch.
Diced tomatoes: These provide a juicy base for your sauce, adding both moisture and acidity.
Dried oregano and thyme: These herbs infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors.
Crushed red pepper: Optional, but it gives a nice heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a luscious texture and balances the dish.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture, making it smooth and easy to layer.
Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy top layer we all love.
Pecorino Romano cheese: A sprinkle of this sharp cheese adds a delightful salty finish.
Fresh parsley: Optional for garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can swap in whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist or add in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Cheesy Baked Ziti! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake your ziti, giving you that perfect golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Next, boil the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner!
Step 4: Brown the Meat
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, introduce the ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, don’t forget to drain it!
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce.
Step 6: Mix the Ricotta
In a separate bowl, blend the creamy ricotta cheese with the egg. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth. This mixture will add a delightful richness to your ziti!
Step 7: Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded provolone cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous topping of provolone and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Step 8: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the Cheesy Baked Ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set a bit. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and get ready to serve a dish that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
Tips for Success
Always salt your pasta water; it enhances the flavor of the ziti.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
Let the dish rest before serving; it helps the layers hold together.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the sauce.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: For boiling the ziti pasta. A Dutch oven works well too.
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for sautéing vegetables and browning meat.
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish is perfect for layering your ziti.
Mixing bowls: Use these for combining the ricotta and egg.
Spatula: Great for mixing and serving your delicious creation!
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti or any gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Cheesy Delight: Add extra layers of different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a cheesier experience.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meat sauce for a spicy twist.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for a classic pairing.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the ziti.
Wine: Pair with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to enhance the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Cheesy Baked Ziti
As you embark on your Cheesy Baked Ziti adventure, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I make Cheesy Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese as a substitute. Just blend them until smooth for a similar creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Ziti?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What sides pair well with Cheesy Baked Ziti?
For a complete meal, serve your ziti with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish perfectly!
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheesy Baked Ziti is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection around the dinner table. The rich, creamy layers and the delightful aroma wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. It’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, perfect for busy nights or special gatherings. Plus, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they dig in make all the effort worthwhile. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious journey of cooking this delightful ziti!
A delicious and cheesy baked ziti recipe that combines ziti pasta, ground turkey or sausage, and a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with provolone and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Ingredients
8 ounces ziti pasta
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey or spicy Italian sausage
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups creamy ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Introduce the ground turkey or sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with the egg, adding salt and pepper for seasoning until creamy and smooth.
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the provolone cheese.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with provolone and Pecorino Romano cheese on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
