When I was asked to share my Baked Ziti recipe, I instantly wanted to take it the extra mile since I’m new at blogging. I love a good Baked Ziti dish. It’s my comfort food whenever I visit my family in New York. It makes me feel like I’m home.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Baked ziti with ricotta is a decadent Italian delicacy of savory meat sauce, a delicate ricotta blend and ziti pasta topped by a melty mozzarella topping. Baked ziti with ricotta is a decadent Italian delicacy that rises high above many typical pasta recipes. Though simple to assemble, this ziti pasta exudes sophistication and confidence in all its splendor. People will think you spent hours in the kitchen. With a few modifications to the recipe, I came up with this Baked Ziti and I am so, so pleased with myself. It’s comfort for the soul…and I think everyone can find some comfort in that.
What I Love about my Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is such a draw for a busy home cook like me. Here are a few reasons I love it:
- Easy baked ziti you can make ahead! This vegetarian baked ziti is a crowd pleaser that you can throw together any night of the week or make it ahead as part of your meal prep (it will keep well in the fridge for 3 nights or so.)
- The perfect way to sneak in some colorful vegetables. This is a baked ziti with ricotta for a filling, but I love sneaking in some small diced vegetables as a layer in the middle (and it allowed me to use a little less pasta.) This time I used zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. I quickly cooked them in some extra virgin olive oil before adding them into the middle of my baked ziti casserole. They elevated this simple pasta casserole by adding flavor, color and texture.
- Lightened Ricotta Filling. I use a combination of part-skim ricotta (still as tasty and creamy) with a bit of Parmesan and melty Mozzarella.
For an easy dinner, just add a side salad! If you’re looking to use this baked ziti as a vegetarian main, just add a bright salad or some crispy brussels sprouts next to it. But if you want to use it as a side, you can always make this quick lemon chicken or yogurt-marinated skillet chicken to go along.
