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Ziti Casserole

Ziti Casserole recipe image
This classic Ziti Casserole is a comforting Italian-American favorite that brings together tender pasta, a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend, and rich tomato sauce. The dish features layers of savory ziti noodles baked until golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying texture with every bite. It&# 226;€™s an ideal choice for weeknight suppers or potluck gatherings, offering a warm, homemade appeal that appeals to both kids and adults. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this vegetarian-friendly main delivers robust flavor without complicated techniques, making it a reliable comfort food staple you’ll return to again and again.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 197.5
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Ziti Casserole is a comforting Italian-American favorite that brings together tender pasta, a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend, and rich tomato sauce. The dish features layers of savory ziti noodles baked until golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying texture with every bite. It&# 226;€™s an ideal choice for weeknight suppers or potluck gatherings, offering a warm, homemade appeal that appeals to both kids and adults. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this vegetarian-friendly main delivers robust flavor without complicated techniques, making it a reliable comfort food staple you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 container ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups tomato sauce
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2
    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  3. 3
    In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, diced mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  4. 4
    In a 13x9 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of tomato sauce on the bottom.
  5. 5
    Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
  6. 6
    Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the ziti.
  7. 7
    Top with the remaining ziti, then cover with the remaining tomato sauce.
  8. 8
    Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  9. 9
    Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. 10
    Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 197.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.8g23%
Saturated Fat 9.8g50%
Cholesterol 64.7mg22%
Sodium 95.3mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 3.4g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 3.4g
Protein 12.5g25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the cheese mixture.

If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.

Keywords: ziti, casserole, italian, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce, baked pasta, vegetarian, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, cheese sauce, oven baked, main dish, homemade, potluck, weeknight meal, pasta bake
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/ziti-casserole/