Baked Ziti – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta. This mouthwatering dish combines al dente penne pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress. Join us on this culinary adventure and discover why this baked ziti is truly a one-of-a-kind delight!
Picture this: a bustling kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of simmering sauce. It’s Sunday, the day our little family gathers to celebrate togetherness and good food. My husband, with flour-dusted hands and a twinkle in his eye, eagerly prepares our beloved Baked Ziti with Ricotta. It has become a cherished tradition, a recipe passed down through generations, and a symbol of love shared between us. The anticipation builds as we patiently wait for the ziti to bake, knowing that the final result will be a masterpiece. As we gather around the table, the first bite melts in our mouths, transporting us to a place of pure comfort and happiness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of love and cherished memories. Come, join our family tradition, and create your own beautiful story with our Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta.
Why This Baked Ziti Recipe Will Win Your Heart?
- Creamy Ricotta Bliss: Our secret ingredient, ricotta cheese, adds a luxurious creaminess to every bite, elevating this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Layers of Cheesy Goodness: Indulge in the symphony of flavors created by generous layers of grated Parmesan and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a cheesy paradise!
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe takes advantage of the slow cooker’s convenience, allowing you to set it and forget it. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a perfectly cooked ziti, ready to be devoured!
- Family-Friendly Feasting: From Sunday gatherings to weeknight dinners, our Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta is a crowd-pleaser. Its hearty nature and comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of tangy pasta sauce, fragrant basil, and a hint of tomato sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Ingredients:
- 2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce (710g each)
- 15 oz. tomato sauce (425g)
- 1 pound (454g) uncooked penne pasta
- 15 oz. (425g) ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup freshly chopped basil
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Mix well to create a creamy ricotta mixture.
In a separate large bowl, combine both jars of pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Stir until well blended, creating a rich and savory sauce.
Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Begin layering the ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with 2 ⅓ cups of the pasta sauce mixture at the bottom.
Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta over the sauce.
Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
Add another 2 ⅓ cups of the sauce mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Layer another one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
Dot the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
Add the last one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
Pour the remaining 2 ⅓ cups of sauce mixture over the pasta, ensuring it covers all the layers.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. (We recommend around 2 ½ hours for best results.)
During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti, allowing it to melt and become gloriously gooey.
Serve the baked ziti alone or topped with red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. Pair it with warm garlic bread, and get ready to savor the irresistible goodness!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty twist.
- Experiment with different types of pasta sauce to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a comforting meal any time.
With every delectable bite of our Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta, you’ll experience the warmth and comfort of a truly exceptional dish. This recipe brings together the finest ingredients, layers them with care, and bakes them to perfection, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this baked ziti delivers every time.
As you savor the creamy ricotta, the tangy pasta sauce, and the cheesy goodness that envelops each penne pasta, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in our hearts. It has become a tradition, a celebration of love and togetherness in our household. And now, we invite you to create your own treasured memories and build your own story around this irresistible baked ziti.
So gather your loved ones, set the table with anticipation, and let the aroma of this culinary masterpiece fill your home. The Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta promises not just a meal but an experience—an experience of love, comfort, and pure satisfaction. Get ready to embark on a journey of flavors that will leave you longing for more, as you embrace the joy of sharing good food with the ones you cherish most. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne pasta works best for this recipe, you can certainly try other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30-40 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti for future meals. Allow it to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Can I omit the eggs from the ricotta mixture?
The eggs help bind the ricotta and give it a slightly richer texture, but you can omit them if you have dietary restrictions or personal preference. The dish will still turn out delicious.
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 2 25 ounce jars of pasta sauce (710g each)
- 15 oz. tomato sauce 425g
- 1 pound 454g uncooked penne pasta
- 15 oz. 425g ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup freshly chopped basil
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Mix well to create a creamy ricotta mixture.
- In a separate large bowl, combine both jars of pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Stir until well blended, creating a rich and savory sauce.
- Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with 2 ⅓ cups of the pasta sauce mixture at the bottom.
- Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta over the sauce.
- Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
- Add another 2 ⅓ cups of the sauce mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Layer another one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
- Dot the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
- Add the last one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
- Pour the remaining 2 ⅓ cups of sauce mixture over the pasta, ensuring it covers all the layers.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. (We recommend around 2 ½ hours for best results.)
- During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti, allowing it to melt and become gloriously gooey.
- Serve the baked ziti alone or topped with red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. Pair it with warm garlic bread, and get ready to savor the irresistible goodness!
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