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To make Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you need these key ingredients: - 1 pound ziti pasta - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded provolone cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients combine to create a rich, cheesy delight. The ziti pasta serves as the base, holding all those wonderful flavors. The marinara sauce adds a nice tomato taste, while the three types of cheese give that creamy texture. The egg and ricotta bring richness to the dish. To elevate your baked ziti, consider adding these optional ingredients: - Fresh spinach or kale for extra greens - Ground beef or Italian sausage for protein - Fresh mozzarella slices for a gooey texture - A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley These add-ins enhance the flavor and nutrition. Fresh greens can brighten the dish. Meat adds heartiness, while fresh herbs can give a pop of freshness. When choosing your marinara sauce and cheese, I suggest these brands: - Marinara Sauce: Rao's Homemade or Classico - Ricotta Cheese: Galbani or Polly-O - Mozzarella Cheese: BelGioioso or Sargento - Provolone Cheese: Boar's Head or Galbani - Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano or Kraft These brands provide consistent quality and taste. They help ensure your baked ziti comes out perfect every time. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in the final dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cook the ziti pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 pound of ziti pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta well and set it aside. This step is key for a great baked ziti. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Toss in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it is smooth. This mixture gives the baked ziti a creamy and rich flavor. Now it is time to assemble your dish. In a big pot, combine the cooked ziti with 2 cups of marinara sauce. Stir to coat all the pasta with sauce. Then, fold in half of the ricotta mixture. This makes sure every bite is tasty. Grab a large baking dish, about 9x13 inches. Layer half of the ziti mixture at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses on top. Use dollops of the remaining ricotta mixture and spread it over the cheese. Then, layer the rest of the ziti mixture on top. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella, provolone, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over everything. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and you are ready to serve! To get the best cheese layers, use fresh cheese. Fresh cheese melts better. Mix all the cheeses well before layering. This gives you a great blend of flavors. I like to sprinkle mozzarella and provolone in the middle. This makes each bite cheesy and delicious. For a crispy top, bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes. This lets the cheese brown nicely. If you like it extra crispy, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch it closely to avoid burning. The goal is bubbly, golden cheese. You can boost flavor with extra herbs. I love adding fresh basil on top. You can also use Italian seasoning for more depth. If you want some heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, try adding cooked sausage or ground beef. Each of these tips makes your dish stand out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to your baked ziti. Consider adding it both in the mixture and as a garnish for extra freshness. Mix Cheeses for Depth: Combining different cheeses like mozzarella and provolone creates a richer flavor profile. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite cheeses! Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to your marinara sauce for an added nutritional boost and flavor. Let It Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart. {{image_2}} You can make a yummy vegetarian baked ziti with just a few changes. Swap the meat sauce for marinara. Add fresh veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will boost flavor and nutrients. You might also try adding some roasted red peppers or artichokes. They add a nice touch! If you want a meatier dish, ground beef or sausage works great. Brown the meat before mixing it into the marinara sauce. You can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Adding meat makes the dish heartier and very filling. For gluten-free baked ziti, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer ziti made from rice or quinoa. These options cook well and taste great. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish! To store your Million Dollar Baked Ziti, let it cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to prevent drying out. You can freeze your baked ziti if you want to save it for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps to keep it from getting freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat Million Dollar Baked Ziti, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm throughout. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Enjoy your tasty meal just like it was fresh! Million Dollar Baked Ziti stands out because of its rich cheese blend. It uses a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone, adding depth and creaminess. The addition of egg in the ricotta mix offers a custard-like texture. This makes each bite more satisfying. Plus, the flavor from fresh garlic and herbs brightens the dish. Yes, you can prepare Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish but skip the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add extra time to the oven. This allows the dish to come to room temperature. You can elevate Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a few simple tweaks. Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more flavor. Using high-quality cheeses, like fresh mozzarella, can also make a big difference. You might also consider adding a splash of white wine to the marinara sauce for depth. Finally, topping it with fresh herbs before serving adds brightness and color. You learned about the key ingredients for the perfect Million Dollar Baked Ziti. We covered how to prep your pasta, mix your cheeses, and assemble your dish. We also explored tips for great layers, cooking times, and fun variations to try. You now know how to store and reheat leftovers too. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a way to impress your guests. Enjoy making it a family favorite!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A delicious baked ziti dish with a creamy ricotta filling and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • In a large pot, mix the marinara sauce with the cooked ziti, ensuring all the pasta is well coated.
  • Stir in half of the ricotta mixture into the ziti and marinara, mixing until evenly distributed.
  • In a large baking dish (9x13 inch), layer half of the ziti mixture, followed by half of the mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
  • Add dollops of the remaining ricotta mixture over the top of the cheese layer, then add the remaining ziti mixture over it.
  • Top with the rest of the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses evenly.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Let the dish rest before serving for better slicing.
Keyword baked ziti, cheese, pasta