Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: million dollar baked ziti! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s the star of every family gathering I host. I remember the first time I made it; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how creamy and cheesy it was. I mean, who doesn’t love layers of pasta smothered in rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, and creamy ricotta? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone satisfied and asking for seconds. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up, making it my go-to for potlucks and cozy dinners alike. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called million dollar baked ziti—it’s worth its weight in gold!

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready before diving into this cheesy masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

These simple yet delicious ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t worry if you can’t find one of them; I’ll share some fun ways to customize it later! But for now, make sure you have these essentials on hand and let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magic of making this million dollar baked ziti! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Preheat and Cook Pasta

First things first, we need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want that perfect bubbly goodness when it’s done baking! While that’s happening, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes to get it al dente. Just make sure to drain it well and set it aside when it’s done. Don’t rinse it! We want all that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to create our cheesy dream! Combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—trust me, the smell will get you excited! This mixture is where all the flavor happens, so take a moment to get it just right.

Combine Ziti and Cheese Mixture

Now it’s time to bring our pasta into the cheesy fold! Add the cooked ziti directly into the cheese mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. You want every piece of pasta to be coated in that luscious sauce. It’s like a cheesy hug for the ziti!

Layering the Dish

Grab a baking dish and let’s start layering! First, spoon half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan on top. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture, topping it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This layering is where the magic happens, creating those gooey, melty layers we all love!

Baking Instructions

Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and bubbly—oh, what a sight! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This waiting game is tough, but it’s worth it to avoid burning your mouth on that deliciousness!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know how important it is to keep an eye on what we’re eating, but remember, the nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose. That said, here’s a general idea of what you can expect from a serving of this million dollar baked ziti:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 20g

So, while you’re digging into this cheesy goodness, just keep in mind that it’s packed with flavor and a decent amount of protein too! Enjoy every bite without guilt, knowing you’ve got a hearty meal on your plate.

Tips for Success

Alright, let me share some of my top tips to make sure your million dollar baked ziti turns out absolutely perfect every time! First off, make sure you drain your pasta well after cooking. If you leave too much water, it can water down your delicious sauce and make it soupy—yikes! Also, don’t hesitate to mix in some cooked ground beef or sausage if you want to elevate the flavor profile. It adds a nice richness that pairs beautifully with the cheese and sauce.

Another little secret? Let your baked ziti sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit so you get those beautiful, clean slices when you serve it. Trust me, these small tweaks can take your dish from good to downright amazing!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your million dollar baked ziti! For starters, you can switch up the cheeses—try using provolone or gouda for a different flavor twist. Mixing in some spinach or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers not only adds nutrition but also brings a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You could even make it a meat lover’s delight by adding crumbled Italian sausage or pepperoni for that extra oomph!

And if you want to cater to dietary preferences, consider using gluten-free ziti or a dairy-free cheese alternative. These little changes can transform your baked ziti into a new masterpiece each time, while still keeping that comforting essence we all love. Get creative—you never know what delicious combinations you might discover!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your million dollar baked ziti ready to go, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to elevate your meal! I absolutely love serving it with a side of garlic bread—there’s just something about that buttery, garlicky goodness that pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta. You could also whip up a fresh side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the ziti; a crisp Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes works wonders!

And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not add some roasted veggies on the side? They add a tasty contrast and a pop of color to your plate. No matter what you choose, these sides will complement your million dollar baked ziti beautifully, making your meal a delightful experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Rich, cheesy flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
• A crowd-pleaser—great for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
• Comfort food at its finest—just a few bites will warm your heart.
• Make-ahead friendly, so you can enjoy leftovers or prep in advance!

Check out this creamy truffle pasta recipe for a delightful twist!
If you’re a fan of unique flavors, try this pineapple pizza recipe!
Pair your ziti with this beet and feta salad for a refreshing side!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti: 7 Ways to Savor Comfort

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
• Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
• Dieta: Wegańskie

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Opis

A delicious baked ziti recipe that is cheesy and satisfying.

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Składniki

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instrukcje

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
6. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Uwagi

• Feel free to add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra flavor.
• Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the oven for best results.

• Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
• Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
• Kategoria: Main Dish
• Sposób: Baking
• Kuchnia: Italian

Zasilanie

• Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
• Kalorie: 400
• Cukier: 5g
• Sód: 800mg
• Kwasy: 20g
• Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
• Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
• Tłuszcze trans: 0g
• Węglowodany: 40g
• Włókno: 2g
• Białko: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Słowa kluczowe: million dollar baked ziti