Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should baked ziti be covered when baking? ›

To prevent the pasta from “steaming” and to allow the top to brown it should be baked uncovered. As long as ALL the noodles are thoroughly covered in sauce there shouldn't be a problem with the ziti drying out. However, if you want to cover it go ahead.

Key Ingredients in Baked Ziti

Ricotta cheese: Opt for whole-milk ricotta, which adds creaminess to the dish. Parmesan cheese: Finely grated Parmesan adds depth of flavor. Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella is mixed in with the pasta and added on top for a golden-brown finish.

Make sure you bake it at 350 degrees, use a deep dish and cover it with foil. I always add a lot of sauce and that helps prevent the dried out top layer. Take out of the oven as soon as cheese is melted and golden. It's also important to make sure all pasta is covered with sauce.

You might have noticed this baked ziti is made without ricotta cheese. In my experience, cream cheese makes a better substitute because it is so creamy! To make ahead of time, follow the recipe as is through Step 7. Assemble everything in the baking dish, but stop before baking.

Tightly covering the baking dish in aluminum foil forces the pasta to steam-cook in the marinara sauce, which eliminates the need to pre-boil the noodles. Most baked ziti recipes call for three cheeses: mozzarella (for cheese pulls), ricotta (for creaminess), and Parmesan.

Oftentimes, baked ziti can end up watery if the tomato sauce isn't thick enough.

I like using béchamel sauce instead of ricotta because it holds the mouthwatering lasagna layers together and gives the dish an overall creamy texture. Using béchamel is also the authentic Italian way to make lasagna.

If you're looking for a sub for lasagna, though, reach for cottage or goat cheese instead. Cream cheese: Cream cheese is made with milk and cream, while ricotta is made with just milk. The lower fat content makes the latter cheese slightly less creamy. However, cream cheese can still be substituted for ricotta.

Baked Ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that is not commonly found in Italy. It is a casserole-style pasta that typically consists of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese (usually a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan), and added ingredients like meat or vegetables.

Instead of chucking your mushy pasta into the nearest bin, simply adjust your stove's flame to medium and warm up a sauté pan. Lightly coat the pan with your choice of cooking oil or butter, then slide the soggy noodles into the pan and lightly stir until the pasta is browned in places.

How long do you heat baked ziti in the oven? ›

Oven. To reheat baked ziti that has been refrigerated, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Again, if it is in a glass dish, be sure that the glass has come to room temperature first to avoid cracking. Cover the oven-safe dish with aluminum foil and bake for around 35-45 minutes.

Ultimately, what that means is that, when you bite into a piece of pasta to determine if it is done, you should see just a touch of white at the center of the noodle. It should be a light color and not too stark of a difference, lest it is underdone. The pasta should be somewhat firm, but definitely not crunchy.

Ricotta is frequently used in Italian cuisine, so it makes sense that other types of Italian cheeses, including parmesan, mascarpone, and mozzarella, can be great substitutes.

If you need to, you can substitute more ricotta cheese or make your own mascarpone by beating 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, savory flavor. For a similar salty, sharp flavor, try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.

Sour Cream

Sour cream makes an excellent substitute for ricotta cheese in many recipes. Its thick, creamy texture closely mimics that of ricotta, and the tangy flavor profile complements a variety of dishes just as well.

Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

Should you cover the pasta when cooking it? It's okay to put a lid on the pot while you are waiting for the water to boil. However, after it starts to boil and you add the pasta to the water, you should remove the lid to prevent the water from bubbling over.

We add stock to the baking dish along with the chopped tomatoes and veggies and cover with tinfoil before popping in the oven which keeps the heat and moisture in allowing the pasta to cook perfectly.

Lasagna should be cooked for at least 45 minutes in a hot oven at 350°F, though it really depends on the number of layers. To prevent an overcooked surface and an undercooked center, cover with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process.