Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti

Get into the festive spirit with this delicious Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti! Perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
• Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions and drain.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 400

Carbs: 45g

Protein: 20g

Fat: 15g

Sugar: 5g

Popular questions:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni for a similar texture.

• Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

• Can I add meat to this recipe?

You can brown ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the pasta mixture before baking.

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

You can use fresh oregano or basil in place of dried for a brighter flavor.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Helpful tips:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Secrets:

• Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.