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To make my zesty baked ziti, you will need: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I love using brands that offer rich flavor. For marinara, try Rao's or Prego. They both give a nice, hearty taste. For cheese, I recommend Galbani for ricotta and Polly-O for mozzarella. These brands melt well and add creaminess to your dish. You can mix it up if you lack some items. Here are some swaps: - Use penne pasta instead of ziti. - Try cottage cheese if you don't have ricotta. - For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. - Add fresh spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost. These simple swaps let you customize your baked ziti while keeping it tasty. For the full recipe, check the previous section. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside to cool slightly. Now, grab a mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one large egg, and minced garlic. Add the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it becomes smooth. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to your baked ziti. Make sure all the ingredients are well blended for the best taste. Take a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to coat all the pasta with the sauce. Next, grab a baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture in the dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Then, add the remaining ziti mixture on top of the ricotta layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should become bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! You can find the Full Recipe for more details and tips. To get the best texture, cook your ziti pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain it right away to stop cooking. Mixing it with sauce helps keep it moist. If you overcook the pasta, it can turn mushy. Adding fresh herbs makes a big difference. Try using fresh basil or parsley in your ricotta mix. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor. These simple changes create a richer taste. One common mistake is using too much ricotta. This can make the dish heavy. Always measure well and mix it smoothly. Also, don’t skip the foil when baking. Covering it helps keep moisture in. Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can make your baked ziti even better by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just chop them up and mix them in with the ziti. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. You can use fresh or frozen veggies. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them first. This way, they won't make your dish watery. For a heartier meal, you can add ground beef or sausage. Brown the meat in a pan before mixing it with the ziti. This gives the dish extra flavor and protein. You can choose beef, turkey, or even chicken sausage. It’s a great way to make the dish more filling. Just remember to drain any excess fat from the meat before adding it to the pasta. If you like spice, try adding red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can bring a nice kick to the dish. Mix them into the marinara sauce or sprinkle them on top before serving. Adjust the amount to your taste. This simple change can make your baked ziti exciting and bold. Each bite will surprise your taste buds! Feel free to explore these variations with the full recipe to create your perfect ziti. To keep leftover baked ziti fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools first. You can also cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it warm for a quick meal! When you reheat baked ziti, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can freeze baked ziti for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Alternatively, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For a quick meal, check out the Full Recipe to guide you! Yes, you can make Baked Ziti ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just add extra time to bake if it’s cold. This makes meal prep easy for busy days. If your Baked Ziti comes out dry, there are simple fixes. First, add more sauce. Marinara sauce can help add moisture. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top. Another idea is to cover it with foil while reheating. This keeps the steam in and helps it stay moist. Baked Ziti pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch. You can use a classic Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad. Garlic bread is also great for scooping up that cheesy goodness. For a light touch, serve with steamed vegetables. These sides make your meal balanced and tasty. For the Full Recipe, check the details provided above. You learned how to make baked ziti with ricotta, including ingredient choices and steps. We discussed brands to trust and substitutions to try. I shared tips for great texture and flavor, plus common mistakes to avoid. Variations can make your dish unique, whether you like veggies or meat. Proper storage keeps leftovers tasty. Now you can confidently prepare and enjoy baked ziti. It's a fun dish that will satisfy everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Elevate your dinner with this Zesty Baked Ziti Delight! This mouthwatering recipe features creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and ziti pasta layered in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for satisfying your cravings. In just 50 minutes, you can create a dish that's both comforting and delicious. Click through to explore this easy recipe and bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen tonight!
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
      In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta.
          In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, and then spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top.
            Add the remaining ziti mixture on top of the ricotta layer. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
              Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
                Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
                  Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6
                      - Presentation Tips: Scoop out portions with a spatula, and serve in bowls. Top with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flair!