Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe
The Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This rich and creamy pasta combines the subtle flavors of roasted vegetables with a luscious tomato-based sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a fan of baked dishes, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti Pasta (or GT Pasta) | 2 cups |
| Olive Oil | 2 tsp + 2 tbsp |
| Button Mushrooms | 12, sliced |
| Sweet Corn | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 6, torn |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Red Chili Flakes | 2 tsp |
| Sugar | ½ tsp |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 tsp |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Tomato Puree | ½ cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Sugars | 7 g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes |
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Cuisine
Italian
Course
Main Course
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the ziti pasta (or any short pasta you have on hand).
- Cook the pasta for 12 to 15 minutes or until it reaches an “al dente” texture (firm but tender).
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle 2 tsp of olive oil over the pasta, toss it gently to coat, and set aside. This will prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
- In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they become tender and golden brown.
- Add the sweet corn to the mushrooms and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until the corn is heated through.
- Turn off the heat and set the roasted vegetables aside.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a separate pan, heat another 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan, sautéing until the onions turn translucent and soft.
- Stir in the tomato puree, red chili flakes, salt, sugar, torn basil leaves, and the sprig of rosemary.
- Allow the mixture to cook for 5 to 7 minutes, adding 2 tbsp of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the sauce has thickened, season it with black pepper powder and adjust salt as needed.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Vegetables
- Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce and gently toss to coat each piece of pasta evenly.
- Fold in the roasted mushrooms and sweet corn, ensuring the vegetables are well distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top the pasta with grated mozzarella cheese, ensuring a generous layer of cheese covers the surface.
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried herbs (like oregano or Italian seasoning) if desired for extra flavor.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your cheesy baked ziti pasta hot, alongside garlic bread or a broccoli salad for a wholesome dinner.
- Enjoy this cheesy, comforting pasta dish!
Tips for Success
- Al Dente Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente (firm to the bite) to avoid it becoming mushy when baked.
- Cheese Variations: You can mix different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan with mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Add Protein: To make this dish more filling, add cooked chicken, ground beef, or sausage before baking.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix for more color and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
This cheesy baked ziti pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, savory roasted vegetables, and rich tomato sauce makes it a well-balanced meal. The bubbling mozzarella cheese on top adds that irresistible gooeyness, making this dish one you’ll want to make again and again.
