weeknight baked ziti cherry tomato (Print version)
Cheesy baked ziti with cherry tomatoes and basil, perfect for satisfying vegetarian weekday dinners.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz ziti pasta
→ Tomato Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1.3 lbs cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - 1 teaspoon sugar
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
10 - 9 oz ricotta cheese
11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
# How to Make:
01 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure consistent baking temperature.
02 - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook ziti until just under al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and reserve.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Add halved cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently until the tomatoes burst and release juice, about 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chopped basil to maintain freshness of flavor.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, fold drained pasta, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese together until evenly coated.
07 - Spread half the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Layer with remaining pasta mixture and top with rest of mozzarella and Parmesan.
08 - Transfer baking dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
09 - Remove dish from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve hot.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- Uses ingredients you might already have on hand like pasta tomatoes and cheese
- Quick enough for a busy night under an hour from start to finish
- Vegetarian yet indulgent and filling enough for hearty appetites
- The broiled cheese top is always irresistible at my house and even picky eaters dive right in with requests for seconds
02 -
- This meal is great for make ahead and freezes beautifully
- Packed with calcium and protein thanks to three cheeses
- Reheats well so leftovers never go to waste
03 -
- Always let the ziti cool for five to ten minutes before serving so the cheese does not slide right off
- I learned the hard way that overcooking the pasta before baking makes for a mushy bake so always undercook it just slightly Toast your spices in the olive oil for the sauce for an irresistible aromatic boost