This classic baked ziti is a comforting and delicious dish that is sure to please everyone. It is packed full of flavor and is so easy to make. You can even make it ahead of time and then just bake it when you are ready to eat. This dish is also great for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 (250g) package of ziti pasta
- 1 (700ml) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 (200g) package of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- Drain pasta and mix with marinara sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Pour remaining pasta mixture over the top. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Potential changes & improvements
There are so many ways that you could change up this recipe. You could add some ground beef or sausage to the pasta mixture. You could also add some chopped veggies, like onions, peppers, or mushrooms. If you want a little bit of a crunch, you could add some chopped up bacon or pancetta. You could also swap out the marinara sauce for a Alfredo sauce or a pesto sauce. And, of course, you could always add more cheese!
What other food it works well with
This baked ziti goes great with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. It would also be delicious with some roasted vegetables on the side.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake when making baked ziti is to overcook the pasta. Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. This will help to ensure that the pasta is not mushy. Another mistake is to not use enough sauce. Be sure to use a full jar of marinara sauce so that the pasta is well coated. Lastly, be sure to use plenty of cheese. This dish is all about the cheese!
Nutritional Information
This recipe is packed full of flavor, but it is also packed full of calories. Each serving has approximately 700 calories. This dish is also high in fat and sodium. If you are looking for a lighter version, you could swap out the full-fat cheeses for reduced-fat cheeses. You could also use a lower-sodium marinara sauce. And, of course, you could always cut back on the cheese.
Allergens
This recipe contains the following allergens: wheat, milk, and soy.