Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

$- 1 pound ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup 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 pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) When I make baked ziti, I focus on the right ingredients. The main ingredients set the base for this dish. Ziti pasta cooks perfectly and holds the sauce well. Marinara sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the cheeses. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives that dreamy, cheesy texture. For added flavor, I love using fresh basil. It brightens the dish and adds a lovely aroma. Garlic and onion powders give depth without being overpowering. Red pepper flakes bring a hint of spice, but you can adjust it to fit your taste. Optional ingredients can elevate your dish. Salt and pepper enhance all flavors. Olive oil adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. Breadcrumbs are not a must, but they can add a nice crunch to the top. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to bring all these ingredients together. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for the perfect bake. 2. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain and set it aside. 3. In a bowl, mix the cheese mixture. Combine ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. 4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce. Ensure every pasta piece is coated well. This adds flavor and moisture. 5. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture. Spread it evenly on the bottom. Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining ziti and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs. 6. Drizzle olive oil over the top layer. This gives the dish richness and helps the breadcrumbs crisp. 7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Follow these steps for a delicious baked ziti with three cheeses, packed with flavor and comfort. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! To get the best baked ziti, I have two key tips. First, cover the dish with foil while it bakes. This keeps moisture in and makes the pasta tender. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. This step creates a crispy top that everyone loves. Second, let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This time allows the layers to set. You will find it much easier to slice. For a rich and creamy texture, always use whole milk ricotta. It blends beautifully into the dish. You can also mix different cheeses for fun flavors. Try using provolone or fontina with mozzarella. Each cheese adds its own magic to the dish. Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. If you like a kick, add more! For a fresh taste, use herbs like oregano or thyme. These herbs brighten the dish and make it pop. Don’t skip these small details; they truly enhance the flavor. {{image_2}} You can make baked ziti even better with veggies. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Mushrooms give a nice texture. Roasted bell peppers add a sweet twist. Just chop them up and mix them in with the ziti. Want more protein? Try mixing in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage. They add a rich flavor. You can also add cooked chicken for a different taste. Just shred it and stir it into the pasta mix. If you need a gluten-free meal, don’t worry! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular ziti. It works well and still tastes great. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. For more details on making baked ziti, check the Full Recipe. After enjoying your baked ziti, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It usually lasts up to 3-5 days. Make sure to let it cool down first before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. For longer storage, freeze baked ziti before baking or after cooling. If you freeze it before baking, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. If you bake it first, let it cool completely before freezing. Proper storage keeps the flavors intact. To enjoy that cheesy goodness again, I recommend reheating in the oven for the best texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm. This helps the cheese and sauce blend back together. Microwaving is convenient, but it may affect the texture. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overheating. Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready. This makes it easy to serve at a busy dinner. Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are traditional, but other melting cheeses can be used. Feel free to mix it up with gouda or fontina for unique flavors. Typically 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before sealing it up. Absolutely! Baked ziti can be made vegetarian by using vegetables or keeping it cheese-only. Spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini work great. Servings usually range between 6-8, depending on portion sizes and sides. It’s perfect for a family meal or a fun gathering. For the full recipe, check out the details and get cooking! Baked ziti is a comforting dish that needs simple steps and tasty ingredients. We covered main items like pasta and cheese, added flavorings, and explored fun variations. You can mix in veggies or proteins, plus adjust spices to your liking. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Whether you bake it fresh or reheat, it remains delicious. Don't be afraid to make adjustments to fit your taste. Enjoy your baked ziti adventure!$

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Delight Baked Ziti recipe! This dish combines rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for a delightful meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds?

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup 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 pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Combine with Marinara: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti and marinara sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Layer the Mixture: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining ziti. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. If using, add breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the top layer for added richness and to help the breadcrumbs crisp up.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped basil before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8