Weeknight Baked Ziti
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Weeknight Baked Ziti

ByLily Carter
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A Comforting and Easy Pasta Bake

When life gets busy, nothing beats a warm, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish. This Weeknight Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

My Love Affair with This Dish

Pasta bakes have always been a go-to in my kitchen, especially on hectic weeknights. My family loves the combination of tender pasta, savory marinara, and layers of creamy cheese. This recipe takes all the best parts of lasagna but keeps it easy enough for a busy evening.

What makes this version special? A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates the ultimate cheesy bite, while Italian sausage or ground beef adds heartiness. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal—just bake and serve!

Ingredient Notes

  • Ziti pasta: Holds up well to baking, but penne or rigatoni work too.
  • Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
  • Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy top.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
  • Italian sausage or ground beef: Provides extra flavor and heartiness.
  • Garlic & Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti until al dente, then drain.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Brown the sausage or ground beef with garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings.
  4. Mix the Cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and parmesan.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Layer pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in the baking dish, repeating as needed.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  7. Let it Rest & Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
  • Let it rest before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with:

  • Garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
  • A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing.
  • A glass of red wine for a cozy dinner experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze unbaked or fully baked for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s a good vegetarian option? Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? Yes! It’s a great alternative and adds a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

Weeknight Baked Ziti is the perfect easy, comforting dinner that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Try it and let me know how you make it your own!

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Weeknight Baked Ziti

Weeknight Baked Ziti

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5–8 servings (adjusted for larger portions) 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This easy and comforting baked ziti is packed with layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-dish meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni work too)
  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

. Preheat & Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
  3. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Add Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Mix the Cheese

  1. In a bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
  2. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Layer half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, followed by half the ricotta mixture.
  3. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and ricotta.
  4. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake Until Bubbly

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Let it Rest & Serve

  1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or extra parmesan, if desired.

Notes

✔ Cook pasta al dente – It will continue cooking in the oven.
✔ Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
✔ Let it rest before serving – This helps the layers set.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28 g
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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