Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight, a pasta dish that promises to satisfy your cravings for cheesy goodness. This recipe combines layers of soft, baked ziti with a rich and savory spaghetti sauce, creamy ricotta, and a generous amount of gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Using your favorite bottled spaghetti sauce makes preparation quick and straightforward, while the added layers of cheese turn this casserole into a cheesy masterpiece. Get ready to dig into this hearty, flavorful meal that brings together the best of Italian comfort food!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti Pasta
1/2 lb (uncooked)
Ricotta Cheese
16 ounces (none)
Mozzarella Cheese
3 cups (grated)
Spaghetti Sauce
3 cups (bottled)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and half of the grated mozzarella cheese. Mix well until creamy.
4
Carefully fold the cheese mixture into the cooked ziti, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
5
Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
6
Spread half of the spaghetti sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7
Layer the ziti and cheese mixture on top of the sauce, spreading it evenly across the dish.
8
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the ziti layer, ensuring it's well-covered.
9
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the sauce.
10
Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese, allowing for a melty, golden finish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
12
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight.
What is the main description of Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight?
It is a comforting pasta dish with layers of soft ziti, rich spaghetti sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much ziti pasta is needed?
You need 1/2 lb of uncooked ziti pasta.
How long should the ziti be baked?
The dish should be baked for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How much ricotta cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
You will need 3 cups of grated mozzarella cheese in total.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much spaghetti sauce do I need?
The recipe requires 3 cups of bottled spaghetti sauce.
How much parmesan cheese is added to the dish?
You should use 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Yes, the ziti should be cooked according to package directions until al dente before being assembled.
How is the cheese mixture prepared?
Combine the ricotta cheese and half of the grated mozzarella cheese in a bowl and mix until creamy.
What is the first step in assembling the dish in the baking pan?
Spread half of the spaghetti sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
How should the baking dish be prepared to prevent sticking?
Grease the 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
What is the final topping for the baked ziti?
The dish is topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a melty, golden finish.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, and parmesan cheese.
When do you add the parmesan cheese?
The grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top layer of spaghetti sauce before the final mozzarella topping.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish that is perfect for both kids and adults.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving.
How do you incorporate the cheese into the pasta?
Carefully fold the ricotta and mozzarella mixture into the cooked ziti pasta in a large mixing bowl.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include baked ziti, cheesy pasta, Italian comfort food, pasta bake, quick dinner, and family-friendly.
Can I use any type of spaghetti sauce?
The recipe suggests using your favorite bottled spaghetti sauce for quick and straightforward preparation.
What does the finished dish look like?
The finished dish has a melty, golden finish with bubbly cheese on top.
Is this recipe categorized as a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and is perfect for weeknights.
What is the recipe ID?
The recipe ID is cheesy-baked-ziti-delight.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be grated.
What is the total amount of sauce used?
A total of 3 cups of spaghetti sauce is used, split between the bottom and the top of the pasta layer.
What type of comfort food is this?
This is described as Italian comfort food.
What is the preparation style for the ziti pasta?
The ziti pasta should be cooked until al dente before assembly.
Who is the target audience for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for cheese lovers, families, and anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal.