Million Dollar Baked Ziti Comfort Food

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is rich, cheesy, and easy. It feeds a family and works for a potluck. You can make it ahead and warm it up later. Try a simple version or add meat and veggies for more flavor. For a quick check of a similar recipe, see this link: Million Dollar Baked Ziti on EasyDishy.

introduction

This baked ziti uses simple cheese and pasta to make a warm comfort meal. It cooks fast and uses common ingredients. The dish is creamy from ricotta and melty from mozzarella. You can change it to fit your taste. For budget meal ideas that pair well, look at this page: 5 Meals Under $10.

how to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Follow the steps below in order. Do not skip cooling time so the cheese sets. You can prepare parts ahead and bake when you need it. For a quick guide to similar meals, see this link: 5 Meals Under $10.

Ingredients :

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
4. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Add the cooked pasta followed by the ricotta cheese mixture. Mix gently to combine.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the pasta and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
10. If desired, sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

how to serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Serve warm in large scoops. Add a green salad or garlic bread on the side. Let each person add extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if they like heat. A simple salad or steamed vegetable balances the richness.

how to store Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Cool the ziti to room temperature. Cover it tightly with foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes. You can freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it won’t get soft when baked.
• Use full-fat cheeses for the best creaminess.
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes after baking so slices hold shape.
• If you add garlic, sauté it briefly to remove raw sharpness.
• For easy prep, assemble the night before and bake the next day. For more budget tips, see this list: 5 Meals Under $10.

variation (if any)

• Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for veggies.
• Use a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different melt.
• Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if you prefer.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen marinara sauce?
A: Yes. Thaw it or heat it first so it mixes well.

Q: Do I need to add egg to the ricotta?
A: The egg helps the filling set. You can skip it, but the texture will be softer.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce is gluten-free.

Q: How do I reheat single portions?
A: Microwave covered for 1-2 minutes or warm in a small oven dish at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

For another version and extra notes on this dish, see the full recipe at Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe – Plain Chicken.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A rich and cheesy baked ziti dish that is easy to prepare, perfect for family meals or potlucks, and customizable with meat and veggies.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta Pasta shape can be swapped.
• 2 cups ricotta cheese Use full-fat for best creaminess.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for topping.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg egg Helps filling set, can be skipped for softer texture.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 cups marinara sauce Use homemade or store-bought.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Sauté briefly to reduce sharpness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning the pasta water.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

• Fresh basil for garnish Optional, for flavor and color.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.

Assembly

1. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
2. Add the cooked pasta followed by the ricotta cheese mixture. Mix gently to combine.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the pasta and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a green salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.