Baked Ziti Recipe With Ricotta: Deliciously Creamy And Cheesy
The classic Italian dish, Baked Ziti with Ricotta, has been making mouths water for generations. The combination of ricotta, pasta, and cheese blended together to create an incredibly tasty meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, and is easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here is a delicious recipe to get you started!
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until fully incorporated.
6. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread half of the ziti mixture in the bottom. Top with half of the sauce. Spread the remaining ziti mixture over the sauce and top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. It also makes a great dish for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. If you have leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can substitute ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage for the marinara sauce. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for more flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a cheesy topping, you can add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese before baking.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please the whole family. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese makes this dish deliciously comforting. It's also easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Give this classic dish a try and enjoy the delicious flavor!