Ziti
Creamy baked ziti with cheesy layers and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with comforting flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the large shell macaroni until done.
- Drain the macaroni.
- Mix the cooked macaroni, ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and basil in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with Prego sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese. You can also include sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance the flavor. For a twist, try using Noble'S Sicilian Mushroom Sauce in place of the Prego sauce for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
This ziti pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled vegetables. A glass of red wine complements the flavors well. For more delicious Italian recipes, browse through our collection for great pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti contains roughly 272 calories, with 12g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg 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 use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free large shell macaroni for this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta may require slightly different cooking times.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This ziti is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it by adding more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté the vegetables and mix them into the pasta before baking for a nutritious boost.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes. They will change the flavor slightly, but still provide a creamy texture. Blending cottage cheese until smooth can yield a similar consistency to ricotta.
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).