Christmas Baked Ziti
Dive into a festive feast with this irresistibly cheesy Christmas Baked Ziti! This gooey, savory delight is perfect for cozy gatherings and will have everyone asking for seconds. Gather your friends and family around the table for a comforting dish that encapsulates the spirit of the season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Boil the ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until it’s bubbling.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, top it with half of the sauce, and then spread the cheese mixture. Add the remaining ziti and sauce, then sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
Notes
Serving Size
Approximately 400 calories per serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use gluten-free pasta or a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.
Find it online: https://www.chyachya.com/christmas-baked-ziti/