Baked Ziti With Pesto
Creamy baked ziti with pesto, tomatoes, and cheeses offers a flavorful, comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Oil an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the ziti pasta for 7 minutes. It will be partially cooked.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, salt, bay leaf, and black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, pesto, and half of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and cheese mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce. You can substitute the ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred. For a lighter option, use low-fat cheeses. If you don't have pesto, a mixture of fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic can be a great alternative. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Lemon Drop Cookies for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked ziti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Garlic Bread or Italian recipes featuring roasted vegetables. It also makes an excellent dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the top crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti With Pesto contains roughly 585 calories, with 15g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1610mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked ziti ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! After baking, let the ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute, providing a similar texture. For a vegan option, try using blended tofu mixed with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This can work well in many vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).