Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Delight Baked Ziti that's perfect for any occasion! This creamy, cheesy dish combines ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce and a delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to impress your guests?
1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup creamy ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for an extra crispy topping)
![To create a tasty baked ziti, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 pound ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup creamy ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference) - Salt and black pepper, to taste These ingredients come together to form a rich and cheesy dish that warms the heart. The ziti pasta serves as the perfect base, while the marinara sauce adds a vibrant flavor. The three cheeses combine to create a creamy, cheesy experience that you won’t forget. For a little extra flair, consider these optional ingredients: - Fresh basil - Extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crispy topping) Fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor to your dish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances richness. If you're after a crispy topping, panko breadcrumbs give you that satisfying crunch. This simple touch can elevate your baked ziti to a new level. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the complete instructions and tips to make this dish shine! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for baking ziti evenly. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to bite but not hard. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will soften more when you bake it later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. This cheese mixture is what makes your baked ziti so rich and tasty. Now it's time to layer your ingredients. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Spread half of the ziti and marinara sauce at the bottom. Then, spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta evenly. Next, add the rest of the ziti mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle optional panko breadcrumbs on top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Before serving, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top to add flavor and help the breadcrumbs crisp up. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get the best baked ziti, cook your pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm, not soft. If you overcook the pasta, it will turn mushy in the oven. Use a good quality marinara sauce for more flavor. A rich, tasty sauce makes all the difference. Mix your cheeses well. This helps spread the flavors evenly throughout the dish. I always recommend adding fresh herbs. They add a nice depth of flavor. Basil, oregano, or even thyme can brighten the dish. Serving baked ziti can be fun! Pair it with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread. This makes for a complete meal. You can also serve it in individual portions for a nice touch. It looks elegant and is easy for guests to enjoy. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients in baked ziti to suit your taste. Try using ground beef or sausage for added protein. This gives the dish a hearty flavor. If you want to boost nutrition, add vegetables. Spinach or mushrooms work great. They add a fresh taste and a nice texture to the dish. If you love spice, make a spicy baked ziti. Add more red pepper flakes than the recipe calls for. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce. This will warm up your dish and give it a kick. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a great surprise in every bite. For those who need gluten-free options, substitute gluten-free pasta. There are many great brands available. You can also make it vegan. Use plant-based cheeses and sauces. They melt well and taste delicious. This way, everyone can enjoy baked ziti, regardless of dietary needs. For all these variations, check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and details! To keep your baked ziti fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days. Before sealing, let it cool. This step helps reduce moisture buildup. If moisture stays in the container, it may make the pasta soggy. You can freeze baked ziti for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain the best flavor and texture. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. For the best results, check that the cheese is melted and bubbly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy delight again! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Delight Baked Ziti section. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne and rigatoni work great. They hold sauce well, just like ziti. Each option adds a unique texture to the dish. Feel free to switch things up! You can prepare baked ziti a day in advance. Just follow the recipe steps until it’s ready to bake. Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. This makes meal prep easy and fun! Reheat baked ziti in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir it between heating to warm evenly. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes. Yes, this recipe freezes well. Let the baked ziti cool completely. Wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before baking. Absolutely! Adding veggies makes baked ziti even better. Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them lightly before mixing them in. This boosts flavor and nutrition. You can enjoy a delicious and colorful dish! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Baked ziti is a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort. We explored key ingredients, from ziti pasta to three cheeses. I gave step-by-step instructions for perfect assembly and baking. Tips on storage and variations make this dish even more versatile. Now, with these insights, you're ready to create a flavorful baked ziti that wows friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your tasty results!](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cd04e799-1e98-48c3-89f3-3bd2910c6dfe-250x250.webp)