Savory Baked Ziti Delight
Indulge in a comforting classic that brings the entire family to the table! This Savory Baked Ziti Delight features perfectly cooked ziti pasta enveloped in a rich ricotta cheese mixture and smothered in gooey, melted mozzarella. It's not only incredibly delicious, but it's also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for gatherings. With generous servings to feed even the heartiest appetites, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds—if not thirds!
8-10 serving(s)
Servings
450
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
16 ounces (Cooked according to package directions.)
Ricotta cheese
32 ounces (Used directly, no preparation needed.)
Mozzarella cheese
6 cups, shredded (Use half for mixing and half for topping.)
Pasta sauce
16 ounces (Used directly, no preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
3
In the bowl with the drained ziti, add the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
4
Spray a large baking pan (larger than 13x9 inches) with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Spread half of the pasta sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
6
Spoon the ziti mixture over the sauce, spreading it out evenly.
7
Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the ziti, ensuring it is well-covered.
8
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
9
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. For an extra crispy finish, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
10
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and delicious Baked Ziti Delight!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
60g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Baked Ziti Delight?
It is a comforting classic Italian-style dish featuring ziti pasta enveloped in a rich ricotta cheese mixture and topped with melted mozzarella.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are 16 ounces of ziti pasta, 32 ounces of ricotta cheese, 6 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 16 ounces of pasta sauce.
How do I cook the ziti pasta?
Cook the ziti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain it.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of ricotta cheese.
How is the mozzarella cheese divided in the recipe?
Use 3 cups (half) of the mozzarella to mix with the pasta and ricotta, and save the remaining 3 cups for the top layer.
What size baking pan should be used?
You should use a large baking pan that is larger than 13x9 inches.
How do I prepare the baking pan to prevent sticking?
Spray the large baking pan with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first assembly step is spreading half of the pasta sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan.
How is the pasta mixture prepared?
Combine the drained ziti pasta with the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella until the pasta is evenly coated.
Where does the remaining pasta sauce go?
Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the ziti mixture once it has been layered in the pan.
Should the pan be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking pan with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How long does the ziti need to bake?
Bake the dish for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
How can I achieve a crispy cheese finish?
To get an extra crispy finish, remove the aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
How many calories are in one serving of Savory Baked Ziti Delight?
There are 450 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 60g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed to be a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is categorized under Italian cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Should the dish rest before serving?
Yes, let the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as a family-friendly comfort food classic.
Can I use different pasta?
While the recipe specifies ziti, other similar tubular pastas could be used, though it would no longer be a traditional baked ziti.
Is there any special preparation for the sauce?
No, the pasta sauce is used directly with no extra preparation required.
What makes this dish 'show-stopping'?
The combination of rich ricotta, generous amounts of mozzarella, and its ability to feed a crowd makes it a standout dish for gatherings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheesy, pasta, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Is the ricotta cheese cooked before mixing?
No, the ricotta cheese is used directly from the container and mixed with the warm pasta.
What is the total count of mozzarella cheese used?
The recipe uses 6 total cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.