Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti

Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate holiday comfort food! With layers of tender ziti noodles, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy gatherings with family and friends. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at your holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti noodles: The base of this dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
• 24 ounces pasta sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and binds the ingredients together.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness throughout the dish.
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the baked ziti.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2:

Cook the ziti noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and return them to the pot.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, combine half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the full container of ricotta cheese, and the pasta sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4:

Add the cooked ziti noodles to the bowl with the cheese and sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Step 5:

Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6:

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta to create a cheesy crust.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve this Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti hot and fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete holiday meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
• This dish can also be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the ziti, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Always undercook your pasta slightly when baking—it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb more flavor."
• Chef Lidia Bastianich: "Use freshly grated mozzarella and ricotta for the best texture and flavor in your baked ziti."
• Chef Mario Batali: "Don’t forget to let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut and serve."