Ziti And Cheese Casserole
A comforting baked ziti casserole featuring creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan, layered with pasta and sauce — perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ziti according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked ziti.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, layer sauce, ziti, and cheese mixture, ending with sauce on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese mixture. If you're short on Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or cooked mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. To elevate the dish, incorporate herbs such as basil or oregano, which complement many Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This ziti and cheese casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Tony's Eggplant Parmesan for a delightful Italian feast. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, at medium power, stirring occasionally until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti And Cheese Casserole contains roughly 448 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. Blend it for a smoother texture, or use mascarpone for a richer flavor. Both options will maintain the creaminess of the dish while providing a different taste profile.
Can I freeze the cooked casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F 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).