Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a cheesy, bubbling masterpiece with this Three Cheese Baked Ziti recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers big on flavor without sacrificing precious time. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort—because delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses readily available ingredients, and comes together quickly. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish—perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying a stress-free dinner later.
Key Ingredients
🍝 1 pound ziti pasta
🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
🧀 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
🧀 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
🍅 24 ounces marinara sauce
🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
🌿 Salt and pepper to taste
🥚 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Cook ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics: Sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened. This adds a deeper flavor layer to the sauce.
4️⃣ Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella (reserve about 1/2 cup for topping), Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5️⃣ Assemble the Ziti: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the marinara sauce, then half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
6️⃣ Bake: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Heat Control
The 375°F (190°C) oven temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the ziti is heated through without drying out. Don’t overbake—it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top!
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy, cheesy goodness, you can achieve a slight crunch by broiling the ziti for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the ziti the night before and bake it in the morning for a quick and easy dinner.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture for extra richness.
- Speedy Pasta: To save time, use pre-shredded cheese.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This ziti makes a wonderful potluck dish! Transport it in a disposable aluminum pan covered with foil.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
🌟 Mediterranean Ziti: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the cheese mixture.
🌟 Veggie Ziti: Incorporate sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into the layers.
🌟 Meat Lovers Ziti: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and add it to the layers.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Ziti: If the ziti is too dry, add a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture.
- Soggy Ziti: If the ziti is too soggy, increase the oven temperature slightly and bake for a shorter amount of time.
FAQ
- Can I use other pasta shapes? Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the ziti ahead of time and bake it later.
- Can I freeze this? Yes, you can freeze the assembled ziti before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Share your creations on social media using #ThreeCheeseZiti and tag us! Enjoy!
3-Cheese Ziti: Weeknight Dinner Done Right
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti dish that combines three types of cheese for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Tips
- For added flavor, use homemade marinara sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked vegetables or ground meat to the ziti mixture for extra nutrition.