Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ziti
These simple ingredients make for a quick meal! Not only quick but incredibly flavorful! For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post and find them on the recipe card.
Ziti Noodles: If you don’t have ziti noodles, you can use most noodles you have on hand! Italian Sausage: Adds more Italian flavor and a wonderful meaty texture. Pepperoni: Gives the dish a fun texture and zesty flavor. Green Bell Pepper: Provides a nice crunchy texture and green color. Yellow Onion: Gives the dish a warm, savory sweetness. Garlic: Everything tastes better with garlic! Shredded Parmesan Cheese: The best cheese to add a sharp, nutty flavor. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds the best melty, salty, cheesy flavor. Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or my homemade recipe if you have time!
How Do You Make Cheesy Baked Ziti?
This recipe is easy to make and won’t take up much of your time. The oven does most of the work! I also love that you can make this ahead so you can just throw it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Pasta Options: You can use any medium-shaped pasta in this recipe if you don’t have ziti on hand. You could use farfalle, fusilli, penne, rigatoni or rotini. You will still want to make sure that the pasta is a little undercooked for baking. Protein Options: I prefer both sausage and pepperoni for a little spice in this dish. You could also use chicken, ground beef, Italian sausage, or Salami. Vegetarian Option: If you are looking for a vegetarian cheesy baked ziti, just leave out the meat! This is a great dish that doesn’t need the meat. Enjoy it just the way you like it!
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Follow the recipe on the recipe card. When done baking, let cool completely. Freeze for one month in an airtight container or resealable container. Thaw completely before baking. Make Ahead of Time: Assemble the cheesy baked ziti without baking it, cover it with foil or an airtight lid, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove the foil and follow the baking instructions.
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