The Coziest Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy easy baked ziti recipe that promises to warm hearts and satisfy hungry souls.

Pasta lovers will adore the rich, creamy layers of melted cheese and tender noodles nestled beneath a golden-brown crust.

Every forkful delivers a perfect blend of marinara sauce, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella that melts in your mouth.

The dish comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive holiday gatherings.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this ziti transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this irresistible pasta creation.

Prepare to be the culinary hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Ingredient Rundown

• Ziti Noodles: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides the base for this comforting holiday dish.
• Pasta Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and rich taste to the baked ziti.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a delicious, melty texture and add rich, smooth flavor to the pasta dish.

• Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the baking dish and ensures easy serving.

Tools for Festive Christmas Baked Ziti

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling ziti noodles and cooking pasta perfectly.
• Large Bowl: Crucial for mixing cheese, sauce, and creating the creamy pasta base.
• Baking Dish: Needed to assemble and bake the ziti with even heat distribution.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked noodles quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing pasta.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning cheese and sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, in case you want to grate fresh mozzarella.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy dish release and prevents sticking.

How to Bake Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Noodle Dance

Boil ziti noodles in a large pot until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain the water and return those golden strands back to the pot.

Step 3: Cheese Fusion

• Shredded mozzarella (half the amount)
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Rich pasta sauce

Whisk everything together until it becomes a dreamy, cheesy blend.

Step 4: Noodle Embrace

Pour the cooked ziti into the cheese mixture.

Gently fold and stir until every single noodle gets a luxurious cheese coating.

Step 5: Dish Preparation

Spritz a baking dish with nonstick spray.

Spread the pasta mixture evenly, creating a delicious landscape of cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, creating a beautiful cheese blanket.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Christmas Baked Ziti

• Cook ziti al dente to prevent mushy results, ensuring a perfect firm bite that holds up during baking.
• Blend ricotta and mozzarella thoroughly for a creamy, even distribution of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
• Choose a high-quality pasta sauce with robust flavor to elevate the overall taste of your baked ziti.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions.
• Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan or Italian herbs on top before baking for an extra layer of delicious complexity.

Christmas Baked Ziti Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Ziti: Replace traditional ziti noodles with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap meat sauce with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains the cheesy, saucy essence.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.

Serving Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti to Guests

• Festive Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table during holiday meals, this cheesy ziti brings warmth and comfort to Christmas celebrations.
• Holiday Potluck Champion: Easily transportable and crowd-pleasing, this dish will be the star of any holiday party or potluck gathering with friends and family.
• Cozy Side Companion: Pair this ziti with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a complete and satisfying Christmas meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining ziti in airtight containers for delicious next-day lunches or quick reheat meals during the busy holiday season.

How to Store Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the ziti completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in a baking dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Is ziti pasta different from other pasta types?

Ziti is a medium-sized tubular pasta common in Italian-American cuisine, similar to penne but with straight-cut ends instead of angled ones.

• Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or add parmesan for extra flavor. Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese if needed.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add ground meat like beef or turkey, or mix in vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase protein and nutrient content.

• What makes this a Christmas-themed dish?

While the recipe itself isn’t specifically Christmas-themed, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks, with its cheesy, warm appeal that suits festive family meals.

Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Reasons to Celebrate

• This ziti delivers warmth and joy with minimal effort.
• Perfect for gathering family and friends around the table, this cheesy dish guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites.
• With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create this delicious meal without complicated cooking skills.
• Combines classic cheesy goodness with holiday spirit, making it an ideal centerpiece for seasonal celebrations.

Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Christmas cheesy easy baked ziti brings comforting Italian-American flavors to holiday gatherings. Melted cheese, rich marinara, and tender pasta create a delicious main dish you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti noodles
• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese

Sauce:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) pasta sauce

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

(none specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Boil ziti noodles in a large pot according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
3. Create a creamy base by whisking together ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and pasta sauce in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold the cooked ziti noodles into the cheese and sauce mixture, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich blend.
5. Coat a large baking dish with nonstick spray, then transfer the pasta mixture, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
6. Generously scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta, creating a complete cheesy coverage.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly surface.
8. Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese to reduce fat content and add a lighter texture to the dish.
• Use whole wheat ziti noodles for added fiber and a more nutritious meal option.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding parmesan or pecorino for extra depth of flavor.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, perfect for busy holiday meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 50mg