Three Cheese Baked Ziti

Introduction

Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings together everything you love about pasta in one perfect dish. Imagine ziti pasta swirled with rich marinara sauce, and then layered with a decadent blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Once baked, the top turns golden and bubbly, creating a crispy, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about Three Cheese Baked Ziti is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something so satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table with wide smiles and full hearts. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering—it was a hit right from the first bite! The mozzarella gives it that gooey, melty texture, while the ricotta adds richness and creaminess. The Parmesan lends that sharp, salty kick that ties it all together.

And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You cook the pasta, mix it with the sauce and cheeses, pop it in the oven, and let it bake until bubbly perfection. You can even make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and cheesy, Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the dish that will never disappoint.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Busy weeknights
• Comfort food lovers
• Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a must-try:

• Irresistible Cheese Layers: The creamy, melty mozzarella, rich ricotta, and sharp Parmesan combine to create an indulgent, cheesy experience that will keep you coming back for more.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With its combination of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, this baked ziti is both filling and comforting, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
• Simple to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this recipe is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables, meat, or herbs, making it suitable for a variety of tastes.
• Make-Ahead Option: Baked ziti can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it, which makes it a great choice for busy days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Three Cheese Baked Ziti:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ziti Pasta: This short, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce and cheese, making it the ideal choice for baked pasta dishes.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The classic melting cheese that brings a gooey, stretchy, and creamy texture to this dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy and smooth texture to the ziti, balancing out the other cheeses and enhancing the richness of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, nutty cheese that brings depth and a slight tanginess to the flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: A simple tomato-based sauce that ties the whole dish together with its rich, savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Three Cheese Baked Ziti:

Prepare the Ziti Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

2. Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the cheese mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Baked Ziti:

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
5. Layer the Pasta and Sauce: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Spread another cup of marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining ziti pasta and cheese mixture to the dish. Top with the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the Ziti: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

8. Garnish: After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
9. Serve: Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting and filling dish that can be served in various ways:

• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy, buttery garlic bread for the perfect pairing.
• As a Main Course: This baked ziti is hearty enough to be served as the main course for lunch or dinner.
• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with Italian dressing complements the rich, cheesy pasta perfectly.
• For a Special Dinner: Make it extra special by adding a side of roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach for added flavor and color.
• For Meal Prep: Baked ziti also makes for great leftovers! Store in the fridge and reheat for a quick and easy meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Three Cheese Baked Ziti turns out perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the ziti to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella will melt more smoothly and create a creamier texture.
• Adjust the Sauce Amount: If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add more marinara sauce to the layers or the top.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add Meat: For a heartier version, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs to the marinara sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to try with your Three Cheese Baked Ziti:

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed twist.
• Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey for a meaty version.
• Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti: Layer in crispy chicken cutlets or grilled chicken for a delicious chicken Parmesan variation.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
• Pesto Baked Ziti: Stir in some pesto sauce to the cheese mixture for a fresh, herbal flavor.
• Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Spinach: Add sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Cheesy Garlic Baked Ziti: Incorporate garlic butter into the sauce for an extra cheesy and garlicky flavor.
• Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce: For a creamier twist, replace some of the marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce.
• Baked Ziti with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for a fragrant herbal note.
• Baked Ziti with Roasted Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes before adding to the marinara sauce for a deeper, more concentrated flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Baked ziti can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake directly from the freezer, adding about 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items that will make preparing your Three Cheese Baked Ziti even easier:

• Large Pot: For boiling the ziti pasta.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for assembling and baking your ziti.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the cheese mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking to prevent over-browning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To mix and layer the ingredients.
• Grater: For fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute gluten-free pasta for regular ziti to make this dish gluten-free.
2. Can I make this dish without ricotta cheese?
   If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I add meat to this recipe?
   Yes, ground beef, turkey, or sausage can be added to the marinara sauce to make it a meat lover’s baked ziti.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   While ziti is traditional, you can substitute with penne or rigatoni pasta if needed.

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Conclusion

Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and savory marinara sauce. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebratory gathering, this dish never fails to please. Its warm, cheesy goodness and satisfying flavors will quickly make it a family favorite.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like vegetables, ground meat, or extra seasonings to make it truly your own. The cheesy, bubbly top layer adds the perfect golden crunch, while the creamy inside provides a comforting bite every time.

I’d love to see how your Three Cheese Baked Ziti turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or tell me how you made this dish your own! Happy cooking!