Better Baked Ziti
Better Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta baked with rich ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory spaghetti sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its cheesy, hearty flavors make it a crowd-pleaser and a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ziti in a large pot until just barely tender; drain and place in a large bowl.
- Mix ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese with the cooked ziti.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with half of the spaghetti sauce.
- Spoon the ziti mixture into the prepared pan.
- Cover with the remaining spaghetti sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until lightly brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a beaten egg to the ricotta mixture. You can substitute ziti with penne or fusilli if desired. For an extra flavor boost, mix in some Italian herbs like basil or oregano. If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish can also be customized with vegetables, making it a versatile choice in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Better Baked Ziti with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Fantastic Focaccia Bread, which adds a delightful crunch. You can also offer a light Italian Cream Liqueur as a dessert pairing for an indulgent finish to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Better Baked Ziti contains roughly 533 calories, with 39g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value), calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% 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 baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked ziti a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I add to the baked ziti for extra flavor?
Consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the ziti mixture for added nutrition and flavor. You can also mix in cooked ground meat or Italian sausage for a heartier version, creating a delicious Family Dinner Meat Dish.
Is this baked ziti suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Better Baked Ziti is a vegetarian dish as it primarily consists of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and spaghetti sauce. You can enhance its vegetarian appeal by incorporating more vegetables or using a meatless sauce, making it a great option for those following 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).