Delicious Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella, a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for any occasion. This hearty recipe combines tender ziti pasta with a rich and savory tomato sauce, layered generously with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a delightful meal that satisfies any cheese lover's cravings and is sure to become a family favorite.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cooking the ziti pasta until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, prepare a savory tomato sauce by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato sauce, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, a pinch of nutmeg, and a handful of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous topping of sliced mozzarella cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden brown. Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of your favorite red wine. Enjoy this Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella as a satisfying main course that's sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients :

Instructions :

Notes :

• Use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
• To prevent pasta from sticking, stir occasionally while boiling.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for better flavor.
• Ensure onions are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
• For smoother sauce, crush canned tomatoes further with a potato masher.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
• Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture.
• Grate mozzarella from a block for better melting.
• Freshly grate Parmesan for optimal flavor.
• Rinse fresh herbs and pat dry before chopping.
• Preheat oven to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning the sauce.
• Stir sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cool sauce slightly before mixing with pasta to avoid overcooking.
• Mix cheeses thoroughly for even distribution.
• Grease baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
• Spread sauce evenly to avoid dry spots.
• Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and cook evenly.
• Bake uncovered for golden-brown cheese topping.
• Allow dish to rest for easier serving.
• Cut into portions carefully to maintain layers.
• Serve warm for best taste.

Tips :

• Use a large pot to boil the pasta to prevent sticking.
• Salt the water generously to add flavor to the pasta.
• Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to avoid becoming mushy when baked.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce.
• Use a large skillet or saucepan to make the sauce for even cooking.
• Sauté the garlic and onion until just translucent to avoid burning.
• For a smoother sauce, consider using an immersion blender.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly salt and pepper, before adding to the pasta.
• Let the sauce simmer to develop a rich flavor.
• Mix pasta and sauce gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
• Use a large mixing bowl to combine ingredients evenly.
• Ensure the ricotta mixture is well blended for a creamy texture.
• Grease the baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
• Layer the pasta and cheese mixtures evenly for consistent flavor.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and cook evenly.
• Remove foil to allow cheese to brown nicely.
• Let the baked ziti rest before serving for easier slicing.
• Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
• Shred mozzarella from a block for better melting compared to pre-shredded.
• Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Make ahead and refrigerate, then add extra baking time if baking from cold.
• Can be frozen before the final bake; thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.