Luscious Layered Cheesy Ziti Bake
Indulge in this Luscious Layered Cheesy Ziti Bake, a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish combines al dente ziti pasta with creamy ricotta and a blend of rich mozzarella, all enveloped in a savory spaghetti sauce infused with fragrant oregano and sweet paprika. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknight dinners. My personal touches not only enhance the flavors but also ensure that it's an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare.
6
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Ziti Pasta
1/2 lb (uncooked)
Ricotta Cheese (Part Skim)
1 lb (none)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3 cups (none)
Spaghetti Sauce
3 cups (none)
Fresh Oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried))
Sweet Paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3
Add the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella to the pot with the cooked ziti. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the mixture.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the spaghetti sauce with the chopped oregano and sweet paprika to enhance its flavors.
5
Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with butter for added richness.
6
Pour half of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Spoon the ziti and ricotta mixture into the dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
8
Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce, making sure to cover the ziti completely.
9
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
10
Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.
Nutrition Information
13.33g
Fat
52.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Luscious Layered Cheesy Ziti Bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long should the ziti pasta be boiled?
The ziti pasta should be boiled for about 8 minutes until just tender.
What size casserole dish is needed for this recipe?
A 9 x 13-inch casserole dish should be used.
Which cheeses are used in the Luscious Layered Cheesy Ziti Bake?
The recipe uses ricotta cheese (part skim), shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need 3 cups of spaghetti sauce.
What spices are added to the spaghetti sauce?
The sauce is enhanced with chopped oregano and sweet paprika.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 13.33 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 52.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much mozzarella cheese should be mixed with the pasta?
Half of the 3 cups (1.5 cups) of shredded mozzarella should be mixed with the pasta and ricotta.
What should the casserole dish be greased with?
The dish should be greased with butter for added richness.
How long does the ziti bake in the oven?
It should bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
How do I know when the ziti bake is ready?
It is ready when it is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is melted and golden.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is suggested to serve the bake with a fresh salad and garlic bread.
How much dried ziti pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of uncooked dried ziti pasta.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 lb of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much sweet paprika is added to the sauce?
One tablespoon of sweet paprika is used.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a family meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 main ingredients.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What is the final step of the layering process before baking?
The final step is to sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Is this recipe considered kosher?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is kosher.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese used?
A total of 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese is used.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe specifically uses ziti pasta.