Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe with Few Ingredients

Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe: A Cheesy, Comforting Masterpiece 🧀🍝🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy million dollar baked ziti recipe that delivers rich, cheesy flavors with minimal effort, you’ve found the perfect dish! This simple baked ziti recipe requires just a handful of ingredients but tastes like a million bucks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy family dinner, this million dollar pasta recipe will become a go-to favorite. Inspired by classic Italian flavors and perfected for home cooks, this dish rivals restaurant-quality meals while being incredibly simple to make. If you love cheesy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Five Cheese Ziti al Forno or our Three Cheese Baked Gnocchi. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or any tube-shaped pasta from our pasta recipe collection)
• 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect melt)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (creamy goodness!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra umami flavor)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or make your own blend)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish and freshness)

Tools Required

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• 9×13-inch baking dish (perfect size for this recipe)
• Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
• Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) (ideal baking temperature)

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is crucial – it should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). We recommend checking the pasta 1-2 minutes before the suggested time. Drain the pasta but do not rinse—this helps the sauce cling better to every noodle. For more dinner recipes with perfect pasta, check out our collection.

Step 2: Layer the Pasta and Sauce

In a 9×13-inch baking dish (lightly greased if desired), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce – about 1/2 cup. This prevents sticking and starts the flavor layering. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by another generous layer of sauce (about 1 cup) and half the mozzarella cheese. The cheese should be evenly distributed for maximum meltiness. Repeat the layers once more, ending with sauce and cheese. This double-layering technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For more baked recipes using similar techniques, explore our site.

Step 3: Add the Ricotta Cheese

Now for the million-dollar touch! Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top layer – we recommend about tablespoon-sized portions spaced evenly. The ricotta will melt slightly during baking, creating creamy pockets of delight. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (the finer the grate, the better it melts) and Italian seasoning for extra flavor complexity. If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll adore our cheese-focused recipes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil (shiny side down) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. This initial covered baking allows everything to heat through evenly. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and develops those beautiful golden spots we all love. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!). Garnish with fresh basil if desired – the bright green makes a beautiful contrast. Inspired by this classic version, we’ve perfected our own take on this beloved dish.

3. Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

• Use high-quality marinara sauce – it makes all the difference in flavor. We recommend Rao’s or make your own.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – remember it will soften further while baking. Al dente is perfect.
• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
• For extra creaminess, mix some ricotta into the pasta layers too.
• Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents).

4. Variations & Substitutions

• Add meat: Brown 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the sauce. Drain excess fat first.
• Vegetarian twist: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables between layers.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta (we like Barilla or Jovial brands).
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Creamy version: Stir 1/2 cup heavy cream into the marinara sauce.

5. Serving Suggestions

This easy ziti with few ingredients is incredibly versatile. For a complete Italian feast, pair it with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
• A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine

It’s perfect for potlucks (travels well in the baking dish!), weeknight dinners, or meal prep. For more lunch ideas using leftovers, check out our recipes.

6. Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve!
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For best results, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Add a splash of water if it seems dry.
• Microwave option: Reheat individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use penne instead of ziti? Absolutely! Any tube-shaped pasta works well – penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead? Yes! Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Can I freeze baked ziti? Definitely! Either freeze before baking (best) or after. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

What if I don’t have ricotta? Cottage cheese (blended smooth) makes a good substitute, or use extra mozzarella.

8. Why This Recipe Works

This million dollar pasta recipe earns its name for good reason:

• The perfect balance of cheeses creates layers of flavor and texture
• Simple technique yields impressive results
• Budget-friendly ingredients taste luxurious
• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
• Leftovers taste even better the next day

It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels special enough for company but easy enough for busy weeknights.

9. Conclusion

This easy million dollar baked ziti recipe proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like a million bucks. The combination of melted cheeses, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta creates magic in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prep, this dish delivers satisfaction every time. For more inspiring recipes, browse our collection. Try it tonight and watch it disappear – we guarantee it will become a regular in your rotation!

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