Cheesy Ricotto Ziti
A cheesy baked ziti casserole featuring mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, with a crunchy bread crumb topping—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter and bread crumbs together.
- Mix shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese soup, milk, cooked pasta, pepper, and Parmesan cheese together.
- Top the pasta mixture with the buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve with salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese in addition to the shredded mozzarella. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat cheese soup. Swap ziti for any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance flavor and nutrition, making it a great dish to explore various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Ricotto Ziti pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a light soup can also complement the dish perfectly. For a vegetarian twist, serve alongside a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty portion of Italian Gnocchi (Potato Dumplings, Little Ears) to create a satisfying dinner.
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 until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, oven reheating is recommended to maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Ricotto Ziti contains roughly 1259 calories, with 37g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and iron (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1342mg per serving (58% 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 freeze the cheesy ziti?
Yes, this dish freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through, usually about 45 minutes.
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).