Ina Garten’s Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Baked ziti stands as a classic comfort food that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families with its rich, cheesy embrace.

Hearty layers of pasta, robust sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Ina Garten’s signature approach transforms this traditional dish into a culinary masterpiece that feels both familiar and innovative.

Italian-inspired ingredients merge seamlessly to craft a meal that promises pure deliciousness.

Creamy ricotta, tangy tomatoes, and savory sausage blend together in perfect harmony.

Her method ensures each bite delivers maximum satisfaction and comfort.

Professional techniques elevate this simple casserole from ordinary to extraordinary: you’ll want to savor every mouthful.

Why Ina Garten Baked Ziti Brings Comfort Every Time

• Savor Hearty Flavor Explosion: Packed with rich Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, this baked ziti delivers an incredible taste experience that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.
• Master Quick Comfort Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious comfort food without complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether it's a family dinner, potluck gathering, or weekend meal prep, this baked ziti adapts beautifully to different occasions, satisfying both kids and adults with its cheesy, saucy goodness and filling protein-packed ingredients.
• Enjoy Effortless Layered Texture: The combination of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and hearty sauce creates a multi-dimensional dish with crispy cheese edges and a soft, comforting interior that makes every forkful exciting and memorable.

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and provides the main protein for the dish. Choose a high-quality sausage with good spice blend.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture and adds richness to the recipe.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a creamy, cheesy texture and provides depth of flavor. Select fresh, high-quality cheeses for best results.

• Ziti Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well. Cook until al dente for perfect texture.
• Pasta Sauce: Provides moisture and flavor base for the dish. Use a good quality jarred sauce or homemade sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds freshness and additional liquid to the sauce.

• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional Italian herb flavor to the dish. A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright flavor and green color to the ricotta mixture.

• Onion: Provides aromatic base and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Water: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.

How to Layer and Bake the Ziti Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect cozy environment for baking.

Step 2: Brown Sausage And Onions

In a large skillet, sizzle Italian sausage with onions over medium heat until meat turns golden and crumbly. Drain away excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create Robust Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Water
• Diced tomatoes
• Pasta sauce

Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring pasta maintains a slight firmness.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Half of mozzarella cheese
• Half of Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Layer First Casserole Base

Spread one cup of sauce across a buttered 9×13 inch baking pan. Layer half the cooked ziti, then spread the cheese mixture evenly. Top with remaining sauce.

Step 7: Add Final Cheese Layer

Arrange remaining ziti, pour remaining sauce, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes, letting flavors marry and settle before serving.

Top Tips for Melty, Cheesy Perfection

• Select Premium Proteins: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors, choosing between sweet or spicy varieties to match your preference.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Undercook ziti by 2-3 minutes during boiling to prevent mushy results after baking, ensuring a delightful al dente consistency.
• Cheese Layer Magic: Blend different cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for a more complex and rich flavor profile in your ziti.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers directly into the sauce for added depth and nutrients.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the entire dish a day before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime preparation easier and more stress-free.

Keeping Ina Garten Baked Ziti Fresh and Tasty

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract excess air completely using a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal taste. Wrap individual portions tightly in vacuum-sealed bags for maximum freshness and longer storage life.
• Portioning Strategy: Divide baked ziti into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. Label each container with the date and contents to track freshness and prevent food waste.
• Temperature Control: Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator or freezer, typically the back area away from the door. Keep consistent temperature around 40°F in the fridge and 0°F in the freezer to preserve texture and flavor.

Ways to Switch Up the Classic Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Ziti Medley: Replace Italian sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version. Sauté the vegetables until tender and caramelized before adding to the sauce.
• Spicy Southwestern Ziti: Add diced green chiles, ground cumin, and chipotle peppers to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile. Top with fresh cilantro and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired Ziti: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and fresh spinach into the recipe. Use a light tomato sauce with oregano and basil to capture Mediterranean essence.
• Seafood Ziti Celebration: Substitute sausage with succulent shrimp or lump crab meat. Mix in fresh herbs like dill and parsley, and use a lighter cream-based sauce to complement the seafood's delicate flavor.

Final Bite of Ina Garten Baked Ziti

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s baked ziti, a symphony of Italian comfort that dances between rustic charm and gourmet elegance.

Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheeses create a memorable dining experience that connects family and friends around warm plates.

Complex flavors mingle seamlessly, telling stories of traditional Mediterranean cooking with modern finesse.

Hearty sausage adds depth, while creamy ricotta provides luxurious texture that elevates this classic dish.

Home kitchens transform into Italian trattorias with each bubbling, golden-crusted bite.

Passionate cooks and hungry souls alike will crave this recipe that promises connection, satisfaction, and pure deliciousness – so grab those ingredients, share this mouthwatering masterpiece, drop a comment below, and let culinary love spread like melted cheese!

Low Carb Keto Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Keto avocado chicken salad delivers creamy, protein-packed deliciousness without carb overload. Zesty herbs and rich avocado combine for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that satisfies keto dieters seeking flavorful, nutritious lunch options.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium avocados
• 2 cups (250 g) shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ⅓ cup (50 g) red onion, diced
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ medium jalapeño, minced (optional)

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

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Instructions

1. Place ripe avocados in a spacious mixing bowl, carefully slice and scoop out the flesh using a spoon. Drizzle freshly squeezed lime juice over the avocado to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
2. Gently mash the avocado pieces using a fork or potato masher, creating a textured consistency with some small chunks remaining for added texture and visual appeal.
3. Incorporate finely diced red onion, ensuring pieces are uniform and not too large to maintain a balanced bite in the salad.
4. Add shredded chicken, preferably from a roasted or poached chicken breast, breaking it into small, tender pieces that will blend seamlessly with the creamy avocado base.
5. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro (about) to introduce a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich avocado and chicken.
6. If desired, include finely minced jalapeño for a subtle heat, removing seeds to control spice level and ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
7. Season with kosher salt (or 2.5 grams) and freshly ground black pepper (or 0.5 grams) to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating and distribution of seasonings without overmixing and turning the salad into a paste.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
10. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and create a refreshing, cool salad experience.

Notes

• Prevent browning by adding lime juice immediately after cutting avocados to maintain their fresh green color and vibrant appearance.
• Shred chicken into ultra-fine pieces to ensure even distribution and create a more cohesive, smooth texture throughout the salad.
• Select perfectly ripe avocados that yield gently when pressed, guaranteeing a creamy and spreadable consistency for your dish.
• Mince herbs and vegetables into tiny, uniform pieces to balance flavors and ensure each bite delivers a harmonious blend of ingredients.
• Customize the salad’s seasoning by tasting and incrementally adjusting salt, pepper, and citrus levels to match your personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 1.1g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 15.6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.2g
• Carbohydrates: 8.5g
• Fiber: 5.7g
• Protein: 15.8g
• Cholesterol: 49mg