There’s something truly magical about gathering around the dinner table with family, especially when a dish as comforting as Baked Ziti with Artichokes is at the center. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of tangy tomato sauce and tender artichokes, melded beautifully with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked ziti. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also a wonderful way to foster creativity in the kitchen and bring loved ones together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and chopped artichoke hearts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Pour in the marinara sauce with artichokes and mix well.
  6. Transfer the ziti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Helpful Tips

For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a unique twist. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked, frozen artichoke hearts to speed up the preparation process.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti on hand. For a vegetarian twist, add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

Pairings

This Baked Ziti with Artichokes pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread and roasted vegetables.

We hope you and your family enjoy this delightful Baked Ziti with Artichokes as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We love seeing how our recipes inspire your kitchen adventures!

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