If you are looking for an easy but delicious meal to make for you and your family, then baked ziti is the perfect choice. This Italian dish is made up of pasta, cheese, and sauce, and can be cooked in one pan. It's a great way to feed a large group of people, and everyone is sure to love it. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. So, if you are looking for a simple but tasty meal, then look no further than baked ziti.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
To make the perfect baked ziti, you will need the following ingredients: one large box of ziti pasta, two jars of your favorite marinara sauce, one cup of ricotta cheese, one cup of mozzarella cheese, one cup of parmesan cheese, and one teaspoon of oregano. You may also want to add some additional ingredients for extra flavor, such as pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables. Once you have all the necessary ingredients, you are ready to start cooking!
Steps to Making Baked Ziti
The first step in making baked ziti is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once the oven is preheated, you will need to boil the ziti pasta in salted water until it is al dente. While the pasta is boiling, you can begin to prepare the sauce by heating the two jars of marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the sauce is heated, add in the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
Next, you will need to drain the ziti pasta and add it to the sauce. Gently combine the sauce and pasta together and make sure that all of the pasta is coated with the sauce. Once the pasta is combined, pour the pasta and sauce into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the oregano over the top of the dish and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Your Baked Ziti
Once the baked ziti is done cooking, you can serve it right away or let it cool for a few minutes. To serve, simply scoop out a serving of the ziti onto a plate or bowl. You can also top the ziti with additional parmesan cheese or serve it with a side of garlic bread. Your baked ziti is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Tips for Making the Best Baked Ziti
When making baked ziti, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to make sure that your dish turns out perfectly. First, make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as good marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses. You can also add in extra vegetables or meats, such as mushrooms, peppers, or sausage, for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, you can always use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you are looking for a healthier option.
Storing Your Baked Ziti
If you have leftovers from your baked ziti, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze the ziti for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the ziti in a baking dish and bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Baked ziti is a delicious and easy dish to make for any occasion. It is sure to be a hit with everyone, and it's easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it can be cooked in one pan and is ready in under an hour. So, if you are looking for a tasty but simple meal, then look no further than baked ziti!
