Easy Baked Ziti
A hearty, cheesy baked ziti dish with layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and flavorful spaghetti sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Partially cook the ziti noodles for about 3/4 of the required time.
- In a baking dish, layer spaghetti sauce, partially cooked noodles, and ricotta cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until ingredients are used up.
- Top the final layer with a little sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding an egg to the ricotta cheese mixture. You can substitute ziti with large shells or any pasta you have on hand. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes between the layers. For a vegetarian option, ensure your spaghetti sauce is meat-free and explore Italian recipes that complement this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your baked ziti with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan With Spaghetti for a delightful Italian feast. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Ziti contains roughly 913 calories, with 36g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1023mg per serving (44% 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 baked ziti?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).