Best 6 Cooking Light Baked Ziti Recipes

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Welcome to a culinary journey that combines classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Baked ziti, a beloved casserole dish, takes center stage in this article, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. From the traditional baked ziti recipe, we venture into variations that cater to different dietary preferences and culinary adventures.

For those seeking a classic experience, the original baked ziti recipe delivers a hearty and comforting meal. Layers of tender ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce bursting with Italian herbs, and a generous topping of melted cheese create a dish that is both familiar and utterly satisfying.

For a lighter take on this classic, the Cooking Light Baked Ziti emerges as a delightful option. This recipe cleverly combines whole-wheat ziti pasta, a flavorful blend of vegetables, and a lighter cheese blend, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

In the realm of vegetarian delights, the Vegetarian Baked Ziti presents a symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe showcases a medley of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, nestled amidst al dente ziti pasta and a creamy tomato sauce. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of umami to this hearty and satisfying dish.

For those with a penchant for bold flavors, the Spicy Baked Ziti ignites the palate with its vibrant chili peppers and a zesty tomato sauce. This recipe is sure to satisfy those who crave a little heat in their culinary adventures.

Finally, the One-Pot Baked Ziti offers a convenient and time-saving option for busy home cooks. This recipe combines all the essential ingredients in a single pot, making it a breeze to prepare and clean up. The result is a flavorful and satisfying baked ziti dish that requires minimal effort.

As you embark on this culinary exploration, let your senses guide you through the tantalizing flavors and textures of baked ziti. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or a modern twist, these recipes promise a delightful dining experience that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED ZITI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES



Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables image

This amazing baked ziti recipe is lightened up with roasted vegetables. Golden mozzarella, sizzling red sauce and tender pasta make this vegetarian ziti super delicious! Recipe yields 8 servings.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Main dish

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ squares
1 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges about ½″ wide
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
8 ounces ziti, rigatoni or penne pasta
4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought), divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
8 ounces (2 packed cups) grated part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups (16 ounces) cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, divided

Steps:

  • To roast the veggies: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the middle and upper third of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
  • Place the cauliflower florets on one pan. On the other pan, combine the bell peppers and onion. Drizzle half of the olive oil over one pan, and the other half over the other pan. Sprinkle the salt over the two pans. Gently toss until the vegetables on each pan are lightly coated in oil.
  • Arrange the vegetables in an even layer across each pan. Bake until the vegetables are tender and caramelized on the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes, tossing the veggies and swapping their rack positions halfway (lower rack to upper rack, and vice versa). Leave the oven on at 425, because we're going to bake the dish at the same temperature. If you end up with any stray burnt onion pieces, discard them, and set the vegetables aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente, according to package directions (it will continue to cook while it bakes in the oven, so you want the pasta to still have a little bite to it). Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
  • Add 2 cups of the marinara, the chopped basil, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella to the pasta. Gently stir to combine.
  • It's assembly time! Spread 1 cup of additional marinara sauce inside a 9×13″ baker. Top with half of the pasta mixture, and gently spread it into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the roasted cauliflower on top, then dollop 1 cup of the cottage cheese over the cauliflower (it doesn't need to be spread into an even layer), followed by 1/2 cup of the mozzarella.
  • Top the mozzarella with the remaining pasta. Then sprinkle the roasted peppers and onion on top, dollop the remaining cup of ricotta on top, then dollop the remaining cup of marinara on that, then sprinkle the remaining cheese all over.
  • Place a clean, rimmed baking sheet on the lower oven rack to catch any drippings. Place the ziti, uncovered, on top of the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, then transfer to the upper rack for 2 to 5 more minutes until the cheese is deeply golden, if desired.
  • Remove the baker from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving (trust me). Sprinkle freshly torn basil on top, slice with a sharp knife, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 medium serving, Calories 366 calories, Sugar 11.2 g, Sodium 855.5 mg, Fat 15.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 38.4 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 20.8 g, Cholesterol 27.7 mg

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

For an Italian classic, try this Baked Ziti recipe from Food Network Kitchen. Tossed in a zesty tomato sauce and oozing with mozzarella, it couldn't be easier.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Olive oil, for greasing
1 pound ziti
Kosher salt
3 1/2 cups Quick Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound sweet and/or spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and sausage crumbled
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes in puree, roughly chopped
Sprig thyme
Sprig basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and boil the pasta until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the quick tomato sauce, cubed mozzarella, half the Parmesan, all of the black pepper and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt and season with pepper. Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

BAKED ZITI I



Baked Ziti I image

A lady I worked with brought this in one day, and it was a hit. Now it is the favorite of all my dinner guests. It's great for a covered dish dinner too. I have made this also without the meat, and it is well received.

Provided by Colleen B. Smith

Categories     Pasta and Noodles     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Ziti Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 ½ cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 578.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.4 g, Cholesterol 71.3 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 913.6 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

BAKED ZITI II



Baked Ziti II image

Three cheeses layered with pasta and marinara sauce. This recipe is so easy and so good!

Provided by BUCHKO

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Ziti Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
24 ounces ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse.
  • In a medium bowl, mix ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg and 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spoon in ziti mixture. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce, followed by Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes; let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 703.2 calories, Carbohydrate 72.6 g, Cholesterol 113 mg, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 38.2 g, SaturatedFat 15.1 g, Sodium 1110.5 mg, Sugar 14.1 g

COOKING LIGHT'S BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE



Cooking Light's Baked Ziti Casserole image

Baked pasta is hearty, satisfying and easy to prepare. To streamline the recipe, the traditional step of browning the meat before it's combine with the rest of the ingredients is skipped; it cooks fully as the casserole bakes. This recipe easily doubles to feed a crowd; bake in a 13x9-inch baking dish for 35 minutes.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
2 cups basic marinara sauce
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup shredded asiago cheese, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
6 ounces ground turkey breast
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and falt. Drain.
  • Combine pasta, basic marinara, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 2 T. Asiago, salt, pepper sauce, and turkey in a large bowl. Spoon into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/.2 cup mozzarella and remaining 2 T. Asiago. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.9, Fat 13.4, SaturatedFat 6.8, Cholesterol 65.3, Sodium 978.4, Carbohydrate 51.2, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 13.1, Protein 32.1

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

Discover the appeal of a delicious Baked Ziti. Your family will love this three-cheese comfort food. Have Baked Ziti ready for the oven in just 10 minutes!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 pkg. (16 oz.) ziti pasta, uncooked
1 jar (24 oz.) CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
1 container (15 oz.) POLLY-O Original Ricotta Cheese
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF.
  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
  • Mix pasta sauce, ricotta and reserved pasta cooking water in large bowl. Add pasta and 1/2 cup mozzarella; mix lightly. Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover.
  • Bake 30 min.; uncover. Bake 10 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Sodium 620 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 23 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses. This recipe calls for a combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. You can also use other types of cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, or Gruyère cheese.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not as flavorful.
  • Use a flavorful sauce. The sauce is what really makes this dish special. Be sure to use a sauce that is packed with flavor, such as a tomato sauce, a pesto sauce, or a white wine sauce.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. This recipe is a great starting point, but you can feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. For example, you could add some cooked chicken or sausage to the dish, or you could use a different type of pasta, such as penne or fusilli.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it can be reheated and served later. With its combination of creamy cheeses, flavorful sauce, and tender pasta, baked ziti is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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