Baked Ziti Without Ricotta: A Comforting, Flavorful Pasta Dish for Any Occasion

Introduction

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish but want to skip the traditional ricotta, Baked Ziti Without Ricotta is the answer. This recipe brings you all the comforting flavors of classic baked ziti, with a twist—no ricotta needed! By using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, along with a rich marinara sauce, this version provides a creamy, cheesy texture that’s just as indulgent as the classic.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing for a family gathering, Baked Ziti Without Ricotta is a versatile dish that everyone will love. The ziti pasta, with its perfect bite and the way it holds sauce in all the right places, is ideal for this hearty, baked creation. The rich tomato-based sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan come together in perfect harmony, making this one-dish meal a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make, customizable, and can be prepped ahead of time for convenience.

Let’s dive into why this Baked Ziti Without Ricotta will become your go-to recipe, and how you can easily make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: This dish requires just a few basic ingredients and is super easy to make, even for beginners.
• Cheesy and Rich: Without the ricotta, the dish is still rich, cheesy, and comforting, thanks to the mozzarella and Parmesan blend.
• Customizable: You can easily add vegetables, meats, or other seasonings to personalize it for your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in, this dish will appeal to all ages.
• Great for Meal Prep: It’s perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer, saving you time on busy days.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes baking)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Nutrition Facts:
• Calories per serving: 400
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta: Ziti is the pasta of choice for baked ziti. Its tubular shape helps the sauce cling to the pasta, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor.
• 3 cups marinara sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that serves as the foundation of the flavor in this dish. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides that signature melty, gooey cheese experience.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the mozzarella.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing garlic and adding a hint of flavor to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds aromatic richness to the marinara sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the marinara sauce and enhances the Italian flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another staple herb for that authentic Italian taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes add a pleasant spice to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Adds a bit of seasoning to balance the richness of the cheese.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color.

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef): A great way to add protein and flavor to the dish. The sausage can be sweet or spicy, depending on your preference.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Adds an earthy depth and texture to the baked ziti.
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale: A healthy addition that adds color and nutrients.
• 1/2 cup bell peppers: Sweet bell peppers complement the savory flavors of the sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling the pasta
• Large skillet for preparing the marinara sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the ziti
• Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce and pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes), until the pasta is al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will cook a little more in the oven. After the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. If the marinara sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit of the pasta water to thin it out.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Next, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the garlic. Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to concentrate the flavors and meld the ingredients together.

If you’re using Italian sausage or ground beef, brown it in the same skillet with the garlic before adding the marinara sauce. This will infuse the sauce with additional flavor from the meat. Once the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your pasta is drained and the sauce is ready, combine them in the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Stir the cooked ziti into the sauce, making sure all of the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary—sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Start by spreading half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta, followed by 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. This layer of cheese will melt and add creaminess to the ziti.

Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top. The cheese will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be melted, and the edges of the pasta should be slightly crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After removing the baked ziti from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Serve hot, and enjoy your hearty, cheesy baked ziti!

How to Serve

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy, buttery garlic bread to complement the richness of the ziti. You can even sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the bread for added flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli are excellent options. Their slight crispiness and natural sweetness pair wonderfully with the rich, cheesy ziti.
• Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, romaine lettuce, and creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the heavy pasta. You could also add a light lemon vinaigrette for a tangy twist.

Wine Pairing

• Red Wine: Pair your baked ziti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or Zinfandel. These wines have enough acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese and pasta.
• White Wine: A Chardonnay with a buttery texture also pairs nicely with the creamy sauce, complementing the rich, cheesy elements of the dish.

Kid-Friendly Version

Kids absolutely love this dish! To make it more kid-friendly, skip the red pepper flakes or any spicy seasonings. You can also serve the ziti with a side of buttered noodles or steamed vegetables for a milder version. To add extra protein, consider topping it with grilled chicken or meatballs.

Tips and Tricks

1. Make Ahead for Convenience

You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling it the day before and refrigerating it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just remove the covering and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.

2. Use Good-Quality Marinara Sauce

The flavor of the marinara sauce plays a huge role in this dish, so opt for a high-quality sauce or make your own from scratch. A simple homemade marinara made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs will elevate the dish significantly.

3. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor

You can easily add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce to make the dish more nutritious. These vegetables blend well with the sauce and provide additional texture and flavor.

4. Freezing and Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, cover the unbaked ziti with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti Without Ricotta is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that everyone will love. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and even meal prepping for the week ahead. With its gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara sauce, and crispy, golden top, it’s hard not to fall in love with this dish. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread and a fresh salad or customizing it with your favorite add-ins, this baked ziti will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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