Cheesy Baked Ziti
Baked until bubbly and loaded with melty cheese, this Cheesy Baked Ziti is pure comfort food and always hits the spot when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25-30 min
Total Time
50 min
servings
4-6
Cheesy Baked Ziti
If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s incredibly delicious and easy to prepare, look no further! Creamy Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate dish that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s hard to resist a second helping! Here’s everything you need to create this delightful, easy chicken alfredo recipe in no time. It’s the Handy Spatula way. From prep to plate, we’ve got you covered.
Simple ingredients, clear steps, and a creamy sauce that works every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the marinara sauce and garlic powder, letting it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the sauce. Mix well. Transfer to a baking dish, pouring the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect cheesy top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Tip: Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes before baking.
Ziti keeps cooking in the oven as it soaks up sauce, and this little head start keeps it perfectly tender.
Why This Recipe Works
Our Cheese Baked Ziti layers sturdy pasta with rich sauce and plenty of cheese, so every bite is creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Baking brings it all together, melting the cheese and locking in flavor for a comforting dish that never disappoints.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Cooking Tips
- Use a thick, hearty sauce so the pasta stays rich and not watery.
- Layer the cheese instead of mixing it all in for pockets of melty goodness.
- Let the ziti rest 10 minutes after baking so it sets and slices clean.
- Variations
- Meat Lover’s: Add ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Veggie Packed: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Extra Creamy: Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese.
- Spicy: Mix in crushed red pepper or spicy marinara.
- Add-Ons
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan on top
- Garlic bread on the side
- A crisp green salad!
Storage and Nutrition
Storage
Cheesy baked ziti stores extremely well and is perfect for leftovers. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480–520
- Carbohydrates: ~45–50g
- Protein: ~22–26g
- Fat: ~22–26g
- Saturated Fat: ~10–12g
- Fiber: ~3–5g
- Calcium: ~25–30% DV
- Sodium: ~700–900mg
This dish delivers hearty energy from pasta, protein from cheese, and rich satisfaction that keeps you full and happy. It’s comfort food through and through, made to fuel busy days and reward hard work.
The Handy Spatula
From prep to plate, we’ve got you covered.