Baked Ziti with Mozzarella - Recipesmelissa.com

Baked ziti with mozzarella is a beloved dish that brings together pasta, cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful meal. The pasta absorbs the sauce, while the cheeses melt together, forming a creamy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. While the traditional baked ziti includes a meat-based sauce, this version is vegetarian and can easily be adapted for a meat-lover’s version by adding ground beef or sausage.

This dish is a wonderful option for meal prep as it keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and marinara sauce makes this baked ziti irresistibly cheesy, and the final step of baking it in the oven ensures a bubbly, golden top that adds texture and flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

For the Ziti:

1 pound ziti pasta (or penne pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Cheese Filling:

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the ziti (or penne) pasta according to the package directions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven during baking. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the pasta to prevent it from sticking together if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the marinara sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Season with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Set aside while you prepare the cheese filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 large egg. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Set aside: This cheese mixture will be used as a layer in the baked ziti to provide richness and creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the ziti from sticking.
Layer the ingredients: Begin by spreading half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add the cheese filling: Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta layer. Spread it out evenly using a spatula, making sure the cheese mixture covers the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta and sauce: Top the ricotta layer with the remaining pasta and sauce, spreading it out evenly to cover the cheese mixture.
Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti, covering the dish evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover the dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
Bake the ziti: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the sauce will bubble up around the edges.
Remove the foil and bake again: After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown and become golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Cool slightly: Once the ziti is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set a little, making it easier to slice and serve.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top of the baked ziti for an added burst of freshness and color. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti with Mozzarella:

Use quality cheese: The quality of your cheese can make a big difference in the final flavor of your baked ziti. Use whole milk ricotta and a good quality mozzarella and Parmesan for the best results. Fresh mozzarella can be used for a creamier texture, but it will add more moisture to the dish, so you may want to bake a little longer to ensure the sauce doesn’t become too runny.
Don’t overcook the pasta: As the pasta will cook further in the oven, make sure you cook it to al dente. Overcooking it during the boiling stage will result in mushy pasta in the final dish.
Use a rich marinara sauce: The marinara sauce is the base of the dish, so use a good quality store-bought version or make your own if you have the time. A homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs can elevate this dish to a new level.
Make it ahead: Baked ziti is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the dish the day before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven as directed. You can also freeze the assembled ziti for up to 3 months and bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s fully heated through.
Customize your ziti: You can easily customize this dish by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables (like sautéed mushrooms or spinach) to the sauce. Just add them in when you combine the pasta with the marinara sauce.
Experiment with herbs and spices: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Fresh basil, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. If you prefer a more garlicky ziti, you can add minced garlic to the sauce or cheese mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

Side salads: Serve the baked ziti with a crisp green salad, such as a Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the ziti.
Garlic bread: Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are the perfect accompaniment to this dish, great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Wine pairings: Pair the baked ziti with a red wine, such as a medium-bodied Merlot or Chianti, to complement the rich tomato sauce and cheese.

Conclusion:

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella is irresistible, especially when topped with a rich marinara sauce. It’s easy to make, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste, whether by adding meat, vegetables, or extra cheese. This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, making ahead for meal prep, or serving a cozy family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy masterpiece that everyone will love. Enjoy!