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For a tasty baked ziti, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling These ingredients form the base of your dish. Each one adds flavor and texture. Ziti pasta gives a nice bite, while ricotta and mozzarella create a creamy layer. To boost the flavor, consider adding: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh spinach for color and nutrients - Sliced mushrooms for earthiness - Italian sausage for a meaty twist These optional items can make your baked ziti even better. Feel free to mix and match based on what you love. If you have dietary needs, here are some smart swaps: - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option - Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lower-fat choice - Try vegan cheese to make it dairy-free These substitutions help everyone enjoy this dish without missing out. With some creativity, you can adjust the recipe to fit your needs. For the full recipe, check the section above. First, gather all the ingredients. You need one pound of ziti pasta, two cups of marinara sauce, and one cup of ricotta cheese. Also, grab two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don't forget one egg, two tablespoons of fresh chopped basil, and some garlic and onion powder. You will also want salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil for drizzling. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these well until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess to your dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. This will help keep the pasta moist. Then, add the cooked ziti to your ricotta mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated. Pour this mix into the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Spread it out evenly. Next, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ziti. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously on top. This will create that delicious golden crust. Drizzle a little olive oil over the cheese. This helps it brown nicely while baking. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once it's done, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier. When ready, garnish with extra fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this zesty baked ziti with ricotta! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Start with a big pot of water. Add salt to the water; this helps flavor the pasta. Cook the ziti until it's just al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauce stick. Toss the warm pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella melts smoothly, while Parmesan adds great flavor. Layer the cheese evenly on top. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the cheese before baking; this helps it brown nicely. Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. Remove the foil later to let it crisp up. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Baked ziti stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To freeze, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through for even heating. For quick reheating, use the microwave. Just cover it to avoid drying out. For the best taste, always reheat gently. For the full recipe, check out the linked section above. {{image_2}} You can easily make baked ziti vegetarian. Use vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them before adding to the mix. This adds great flavor and color. You can also swap marinara for a rich pesto sauce. It gives a fresh taste that everyone will love. If you want a heartier dish, add meat. Ground beef or sausage works well. Cook the meat before mixing it in with the ziti. You can also use shredded chicken for a lighter option. For a kick, try spicy Italian sausage. This adds depth and a nice heat to the meal. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free ziti. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or corn. This way, you still enjoy the same great taste. You can also use zucchini noodles for a veggie twist. They make the dish lighter and healthier. For all these ideas, check out the Full Recipe above for guidance on how to prepare your baked ziti. To store your baked ziti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it. If you want to freeze baked ziti, it’s best to do this before baking. Prepare the dish as instructed, but don’t bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This extra layer protects it from freezer burn. Frozen baked ziti can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To thaw frozen baked ziti, place it in the fridge for about 24 hours. This helps keep the texture nice. Once it’s thawed, you can bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Cover it with foil for the first part of cooking to keep it moist. When the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your comforting family favorite dish! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Baked ziti with ricotta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, throw it away. Yes, you can make baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble the dish but do not bake it yet. When you're ready, bake it as directed. It’s a great time-saver for busy days. The best way to reheat baked ziti is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. For more delicious ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Baked ziti is simple and enjoyable to make. We covered the best ingredients to use, options for flavor boosts, and substitutions for diets. The step-by-step guide made assembly a breeze. Don't forget those handy tips for cooking and perfect cheese melting. I shared variations for everyone. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers later. Remember these points, and you’ll impress anyone with your dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure with baked ziti and share it proudly!

Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Savor the deliciousness of this Zesty Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Basil! This mouthwatering dish combines tender ziti, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil for a twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor.Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

        In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

          Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine. Pour the pasta and ricotta mixture into the baking dish over the marinara sauce, spreading it evenly.

            Top the ziti with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

              Drizzle a little olive oil over the cheese to help it brown during baking.

                Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

                  After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil.

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