Description
This hearty and festive baked ziti is the perfect comfort food for your holiday gatherings! It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, ensuring you spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the ziti:
- 1 pound ziti noodles
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For the sauce and filling:
- 24 ounces pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite variety)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided into 2 portions)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2️⃣ Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the ziti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, and the pasta sauce. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
4️⃣ Combine with pasta: Add the cooked ziti noodles to the cheese and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly, ensuring every noodle is coated.
5️⃣ Assemble the dish: Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6️⃣ Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage for a golden, bubbly crust.
7️⃣ Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
8️⃣ Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a festive touch!
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, consider using festive-shaped pasta or topping with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Simply bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins