How to make baked ziti with ricotta cheese?

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baked ziti with ricotta cheese is a classic Italian-American dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. This comfort food favorite is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making this delicious dish from scratch.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bowl and mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining marinara sauce, then the remaining ziti pasta, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Top with Parmesan Cheese and Basil

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mozzarella cheese. If desired, add some chopped fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the baked ziti for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your baked ziti:

• Add some spice: Mix in some dried oregano or red pepper flakes to give your baked ziti a kick.
• Get creative with the sauce: Try using different types of sauce, such as arrabbiata or pesto, for a unique flavor.
• Add some protein: Mix in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for added protein.
• Go green: Add some steamed broccoli or spinach to the dish for an extra nutritional boost.

Recipe Table

Here’s a summary of the recipe in a table format:

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic baked ziti with ricotta cheese that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic Italian-American dish!