Baked Ziti

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Gathering these fresh ingredients is key to making a great baked ziti. The ziti pasta acts as the base and holds all the flavors. I use olive oil to sauté vegetables, which adds depth to the dish. Onions, garlic, and bell peppers form a lovely aromatic base. Zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor. The marinara sauce brings everything together, while the herbs give it a warm, inviting taste. The ricotta cheese adds creaminess, and the mozzarella and Parmesan create a cheesy, golden crust. You can also adjust the spices to fit your taste. More red pepper flakes will add heat, and fresh basil gives a burst of flavor. Keep it simple, and let the quality of your ingredients shine. Check out the full recipe for more tips! Adjust your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 7 to 9 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 medium onion, finely diced. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 diced zucchini. Cook these vegetables for another 5 to 7 minutes. They should be tender and colorful. Pour in a jar of marinara sauce, around 24 ounces. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering time helps the flavors blend nicely. In your large mixing bowl, add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture. Also, add 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Mix everything gently until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the dish. Spread it evenly. Top this layer with half of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the ziti mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and golden brown. For a fresh touch, you can garnish it with basil leaves right before serving. Enjoy your cozy baked ziti! For the full recipe, click [here](#). To get the most from your baked ziti, let the sauce simmer longer. This helps mix the flavors well. A simple rule is to simmer it for at least 10 extra minutes. This extra time allows the spices to release their full taste. You will notice a richer, deeper flavor that will impress your guests. For a golden top, use the right technique with mozzarella cheese. After baking, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes. This step lets the cheese bubble and brown nicely. For an extra crispy finish, broil it for 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning! Seasoning is key to making your dish shine. Start with salt and pepper, but feel free to add more herbs. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Italian seasoning can enhance the taste. Always taste as you go. This way, you can adjust to your liking before it goes into the oven. {{image_4}} You can easily add meat to your baked ziti. Ground beef, sausage, or turkey work well. Just brown the meat in the skillet before adding the vegetables. This adds a rich flavor and texture. You can use any type of ground meat you prefer. Mixing in meat makes this dish more filling and hearty. If you want a meatless option, use more veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant add great taste. You can also swap regular cheese for plant-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious while being plant-friendly. These changes make baked ziti suitable for everyone. For a gluten-free version, try different pasta types. Look for gluten-free ziti or penne. Many brands offer great options made from rice or quinoa. Be sure to check the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta can cook faster than regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy baked ziti without worry. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Delight Baked Ziti. It's a great way to enjoy all these variations! To store leftovers, let the baked ziti cool. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When storing, make sure it is covered well to avoid drying out. You can also use plastic wrap on the dish before placing it in the fridge. To freeze baked ziti, follow these steps. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Use aluminum foil over the wrap for extra protection. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to stop it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's warm all the way through. Enjoy your cheesy delight straight from the oven! Baked ziti lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can make baked ziti ahead of time. Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, let it sit out for a bit. This helps it warm up. Then, bake it as normal. Baked ziti pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - Side salad for freshness - Roasted veggies for added color - A light soup for a cozy touch These sides balance the meal and keep it fun. For more ideas, check out my other recipes! Baked ziti is a simple yet delicious dish you can easily make at home. We covered key ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to guide you. You learned how to enhance flavor and customize the dish to your liking. Remember, you can make baked ziti your own with different meats, veggies, and cheese. Enjoying this meal with friends or family makes it even better. Now, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something tasty together!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Delight Baked Ziti recipe! This hearty dish combines ziti pasta, fresh veggies, and a blend of rich cheeses for a delightful family meal. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a bubbling, cheesy top and a satisfying flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight! Your taste buds will thank you!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your ziti.

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Add the Vegetables: Mix in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and zucchini. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and vibrant.

Create the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, and sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the large mixing bowl with the drained ziti, add the vegetable sauce mixture along with the ricotta cheese. Gently mix until everything is evenly combined, ensuring the pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.

Layer the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Top this layer with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect cheesy crust.

Bake the Dish: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Final Bake for a Golden Finish: After 25 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, take the ziti out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish with torn basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and fresh basil for an elegant touch. Enjoy with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal!