What's better than a warm and comforting dish on a cold winter's night? The answer: a cheesy baked ziti casserole that will have your taste buds craving more!

Picture it: al dente ziti pasta coated in a blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked together until bubbling and golden brown.

Sounds delicious, doesn't it? Well, let me tell you, this comfort food classic is an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe that you'll want to make over and over again.

Don't believe me? Check out these stats:

• The dish is so popular that it's been on Olive Garden's menu for years!
• American families consume over 2 pounds of cheese per week, and with this recipe, you can contribute to that statistic while satisfying everyone's taste buds.

If you're still not convinced, consider this: the beauty of baked ziti is that it can be adapted to suit your tastes. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Craving a meaty version? Just add ground beef or Italian sausage.

But regardless of your additions or adaptations, one ingredient cannot be skipped: the ultimate cheesy goodness baked to perfection.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly simple to follow. All you need to do is cook the ziti, mix the cheeses, toss everything together in a casserole dish, and bake. Voila! Your family dinner is served.

Come on, give it a shot. You won't regret it. Isn't a hot and creamy casserole dish the type of comfort food that we all crave on those chilly days and nights?

So, there you have it - the ultimate recipe for cheesy baked ziti. What are you waiting for? Start cooking, and allow a wonderful aroma to pervade your home.

Comfort in a Casserole Dish: The Ultimate Recipe for Cheesy Baked Ziti

Is there anything more comforting than a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven? This recipe for Cheesy Baked Ziti will hit all the right notes and leave you feeling cozy and content. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this is the perfect dish to whip up for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, and another pinch of salt and pepper.
5. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer in half of the pasta mixture. Top with the ricotta mixture, spreading it out to the edges.
6. Add another layer of the remaining pasta mixture on top of the ricotta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake another 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the edges of the pasta are crispy.
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving size: 1 cup | Calories: 397 | Fat: 16g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 23g

Full of delicious cheese and carbs, this Cheesy Baked Ziti is definitely not a diet food, but it's worth every calorie for the comfort it provides. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, or let it stand-alone as the ultimate comfort food centerpiece. Dig in!

Thank you for taking the time to read about our ultimate recipe for cheesy baked ziti! We hope that you find as much comfort in this hearty and delicious casserole dish as we do. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd, so don't hesitate to give it a try! Whether you're sharing this dish with loved ones or savoring it on your own, we wish you happy cooking and plenty of cheesy goodness. Enjoy!