Fazoli’s Baked Ziti Recipe

Fazoli’s food is the ultimate comfort food for me, and baked ziti is my first priority on their menu. If you love its creamy texture and yummy taste, why not try it at home? This recipe will allow you to recreate the exact delicious taste from your last Fazoli’s trip.

If you are craving for pasta, here I share yummy Fazoli’s baked ziti’s recipe. What makes it so irresistible is that it is a perfect blend of pasta, marinara sauce, creamy cheese and savoury meat (you can add or exclude).

Prepare it for family dinners, friends get together and official meeting lunch. It is best to add in your menu and to entertain guests. Take a pen and notepad. Note it, and start making it.

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

Penne with Meat Sauce baked with Mozzarella & Provolone Cheeses. Taste so good. It served hot and within 5.
View Fazoli’s Full Menu.

Price – $10.99
730 Cal.

Baked Ziti Ingredients

You need:

  • Ziti pasta
  • Marinara sauce (home-made or store-bought)
  • Provolone cheese (to add more creaminess)
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Parmesan cheese (add extra flavor)
  • Chicken, beef, turkey, shrimp meat (optional)
  • Eggs
  • Fresh herbs (basil/oregano)

Instructions

  • Preheat your baking oven at 375°F (190°C). Take out ziti pasta when it is perfectly baked. 
  • Bring a large pot of salted pasta to boil, and cook ziti pasta in it. Follow the instructions of the package. Drain and set aside.
  • Mix ricotta cheese, eggs, salt (to taste) and add fresh herbs (basil, oregano) to enhance pasta’s flavor. 
  • Do you put eggs in baked ziti? Yes ! eggs bind the ricotta cheese mixture. It gives a creamy and rich texture to the dish.
  • Start assembling after pasta and ricotta mixture is done. 
  • Add layers of marinara sauce followed by ziti pasta, provolone cheese, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in the baking dish.
  • Repeat the layers. Generously spread mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Required baking time for ziti is 20-30 mins. Cover your baking dish with foil paper, and put inside a preheated oven. Remove the foil after 20 mins so the cheese on the top melts brown and golden.

When done. Let it rest aside for 10 minutes before serving. Dish is set and easier to serve.

Tips for Perfecting Fazoli’s Baked Ziti

  • Do not overcook and make it mushy. Cook it al dene (firm to bite).
  • Add flavor using store-bought marinara sauce, garlic and olive oil.
  • Let it rest for sometime to ensure the cheese is settled. Slice neat and perfect

Nutrition Facts

Ziti pasta has the following nutrients in it. This is its nutrition card to know its ingredients.

  • Calories: 450–500 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18–22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8–10 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
  • Sodium: 700–800 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3–5 g
  • Sugars: 8–10 g
  • Protein: 20–25 g
  • Calcium: Provides 20–25% of the Daily Value

So, traditionally prepared baked ziti has high calories, refined carbs and saturated fats, which can lead to blood sugar spike and weight gain.

You can customize it using wheat or chickpea pasta. They will have more fiber and protein. Add vegetables or lean protein (chicken/ turkey) to boost nutrients. Use low-fat cheese instead of full-fat cheese or home-made sauce to reduce the sodium intake.

How to make baked ziti without meat? 

Baked ziti’s specialty is its high customization. If you wanna skip meat, you can bake it without meat. Mostly, people love adding meat sauce instead of meat. Lean meat is also a substitute _ for a lighter version, using turkey instead of beef.

Add more veggies, mushrooms, bell pepper or Spanish. Bring this healthy twist in your pasta.

Make ziti with meat sauce

Baked ziti including ziti noodles, Parmesan cheese, ricotta, egg mozzarella and seasonings. Prepare meat sauce made with ground beef or sausages. Omit eat making this ziti pasta.

Freeze baked ziti

If I wanna prepare baked ziti a day before my family & friends gatherings, can you freeze it? Yes, set baked ziti aside to reach at room temperature. Put the whole pasta in an air-tight container with care. Put it inside the freezer _ it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven

On the day of the feast, take it out and place it on the countertop for at least 10-15  mins. Once the dish has thawed, cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain its moisture. Or add ¼ cup water to avoid pasta from drying out. 

Preheat the oven at 175° C until the sauce is done and the cheese melts. Reheat cautiously as cheese can get burnt. 

Conclusion

Fazoli’s baked ziti is a mouthwatering dish, which you must know how to make. Note down its recipe and try once to savour your taste buds. Making it at home benefits more __ make it healthier by adding fresh vegetables, less cream cheese or meat. 
Ziti lovers must try Baked Spaghetti, too. Check here recipes of similar cheesy, baked and creamy texture. Enjoy more flavorful and layered bites.

FAQs

It is approximately 1.75 to 2 cups.

Baked ziti can be healthy if you choose whole wheat pasta, lean protein and moderate cheese. Otherwise, they are high in carbs and fats.

It is approximately 4 cups in one pound.

Yes, you can cook it by layering pasta, sauce, cheese and letting it cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Cook frozen baked ziti for at least 60-70 minutes. Uncover it after the first 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.