Baked Ziti With Three Cheeses
Creamy baked ziti layered with three cheeses and herbs, baked to golden perfection. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, rich in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta following package directions; drain.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, blend Ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded Mozzarella, beaten egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Stir in the cooked ziti pasta.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until the top is golden, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of heavy cream to the cheese mixture. You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred. Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the dish. If you like a bit of spice, adding red pepper flakes works well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian appetizers, making it perfect for gatherings. A glass of red wine can also complement the flavors nicely. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mix.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti With Three Cheeses contains roughly 611 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare the baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to blend them well to avoid lumps.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).