Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta
There’s something uniquely comforting about a bubbling dish of baked ziti. As the cheese melts and the aroma of sautéed garlic fills the kitchen, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up her version of this Italian classic on Sundays, filling our home with laughter and the tantalizing scent of marinara sauce simmering away. This Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta brings all those memories flooding back, and I promise it will do the same for you. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner when all you crave is something creamy and cheesy to indulge in after a long day. So, gather your loved ones around the table and get ready for a dinner that feels like home. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The ricotta cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that melts into every bite, making this dish delightfully indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This baked ziti is a surefire hit with family and friends, making it a great option for gatherings or potlucks.
- Loaded with Flavor: The combination of savory marinara, zesty cheeses, and aromatic garlic will take your taste buds on a delightful journey.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to add veggies, different cheeses, or spices.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your cozy dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb dried ziti or penne pasta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 8–12 provolone cheese deli slices
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper; cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of sugar if desired.
- Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Drain the pasta and add half into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta, gently stirring to coat. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top, then layer with 4 to 6 slices of provolone and half of the mozzarella.
- In a large bowl or pasta pot, toss the remaining pasta with the remaining sauce. Spoon it over the first cheese layer; top with the remaining ricotta mixture, provolone, and mozzarella. Ensure any exposed pasta is covered with sauce.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if desired.
Fun Ways to Customize It
- Veggie Delight: Stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthful twist, adding brightness and texture.
- Meat Lover’s Version: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage into the marinara sauce for a heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the marinara sauce for a zesty pop of heat.
- Cheese Variation: Swap the provolone for gouda or fontina for a unique and indulgent flavor profile.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge; bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use low-fat cheeses or whole wheat pasta to make this dish lighter while still keeping all the flavors.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results!
- Perfectly Creamy: Be sure to avoid cooking the pasta completely; this helps it absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce while baking.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize the cheeses or add vegetables and proteins to suit your tastes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
If stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months!
A Cozy Closing Note
Every bite of this Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta is like rediscovering a little piece of home. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this comforting dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting baked ziti dish featuring creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb dried ziti or penne pasta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 8–12 provolone cheese deli slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper; cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve al dente.
- Stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of sugar if desired in a small bowl.
- Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Drain the pasta and add half into the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta, gently stirring to coat. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top, then layer with 4 to 6 slices of provolone and half of the mozzarella.
- Toss the remaining pasta with the remaining sauce in a large bowl or pasta pot. Spoon it over the first cheese layer; top with the remaining ricotta mixture, provolone, and mozzarella. Ensure any exposed pasta is covered with sauce.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if desired.
Notes
Can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Customize with additional vegetables or meats as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
