The Ultimate Creamy Baked Ziti with a Bold Citrus Kick
A Decadent Three-Cheese Pasta Bake with a Medium Sweet & Spicy Glow
What makes this the best baked ziti? The secret to a perfect pasta bake is the moisture balance and cheese-layering technique combined with Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce. Unlike standard ziti that can dry out in the oven, our method uses a ricotta-egg bind to create a "sauce within a sauce" that stays luscious. By finishing with our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium, you add a Medium Sweet and Spicy kick (6/10 Heat) that cuts through the heavy cheeses, brightening the entire dish with a fresh citrus finish.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Medium | Medium (6/10) - Sweet & Spicy
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 54g
Fat: 16g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450 g) Ziti pasta
24 oz (680 ml) Marinara sauce
15 oz (425 g) Ricotta cheese
16 oz (450 g) Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (50 g) Grated Parmesan cheese
1 large (50 g) Egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves (10 g) Garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 ml) Dried oregano
1/4 cup (10 g) Fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Salt
1/4 tsp (1.2 ml) Black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Medium
Ingredient Spotlight: Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is the secret to the creamy interior of a great baked ziti. Unlike firmer cheeses, ricotta provides a soft, cloud-like texture that binds the pasta and sauce together. Mixing it with a beaten egg ensures that the cheese layer sets properly during baking, creating a luscious "sauce within a sauce" that prevents the pasta from drying out under the high heat of the oven.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: To give this cheesy classic a modern edge, incorporate Blazing Citrus Medium into your red sauce. This all natural fruit-based hot sauce adds a subtle, balanced heat that cuts through the heavy cheese, brightening the entire dish. Using a flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals like this one transforms a standard pasta bake into a gourmet experience without requiring extra prep time.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or a large white pot. Pro-Tip: Boiling the pasta in heavily salted water (it should taste like the sea) is your only chance to season the pasta itself, ensuring the dish isn't bland from the inside out.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package directions for "al dente." The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, the Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and the Blazing Citrus Medium. Pro-Tip: Whisk the sauce into the marinara before adding the pasta to ensure the balanced heat is distributed evenly throughout every tube of ziti.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish. Drop dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover with foil (sprayed with oil to prevent sticking) and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Meatier: If you prefer a heartier meal, brown 1 lb (450 g) of Italian sausage or lean ground beef with the garlic before mixing it into the marinara sauce. This adds a savory, protein-packed dimension to the dish that mirrors a traditional Bolognese-style bake.
Regional Swap (Mediterranean): For a Greek-inspired twist similar to Pastitsio, swap the ricotta for a thick Béchamel sauce and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the marinara. Use kefalotyri cheese instead of mozzarella for a salty, tangy flavor profile that is distinctively Mediterranean.
Vegetable Boost: Fold in 2 cups (60 g) of fresh baby spinach or sautéed courgette (zucchini) slices into the pasta and sauce mixture. The moisture from the vegetables keeps the pasta extra tender while adding a boost of vitamins and color to the plate.
Crispy Breadcrumb Topping: Mix 1/2 cup (30 g) of Panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of parsley. Sprinkle this over the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to add a satisfying crunch to the soft pasta layers.
Garlic Bread Side: Always serve this with thick slices of toasted garlic bread. The bread acts as the perfect vessel to scoop up any extra creamy ricotta and marinara sauce left on the bottom of the dish.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Ricotta cheese.
New Measurement: 15 oz (425 g) of small-curd cottage cheese.
Why: It provides a similar creamy texture but with more protein and a slightly lighter feel for those watching their fat intake.
Replacing: Ziti pasta.
New Measurement: 1 lb (450 g) of Penne or Rigatoni.
Why: These shapes have similar ridges and hollow centers that are equally effective at capturing the thick marinara and melted cheese.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days; the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, making it even more flavorful.
Reheat: Place a portion in a baking dish, add a tablespoon of water, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot to prevent drying.
Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before following the reheating instructions.
People Also Ask
How do I keep my baked ziti from being dry? Dryness usually happens when the pasta absorbs all the sauce during baking. To prevent this, slightly undercook your ziti (2 minutes less than the package directions) and ensure your ricotta mixture is well-moistened. Adding a touch of our vinegar-free hot sauce to the marinara also helps maintain a silky consistency, as it adds flavor-rich liquid that doesn't evaporate as quickly as plain water.
Can I add hot sauce to a cheese-heavy pasta dish? Absolutely, but most vinegar-based sauces are too acidic and can make the cheese taste sour. Blazing Citrus Medium is 100% vinegar-free, using fresh grapefruit and lemon juice as its base. This provides a "Sweet & Spicy" fruit-forward brightness that acts as a palate cleanser for the rich mozzarella and ricotta, making the dish feel lighter and more vibrant.
What is the best way to reheat baked ziti so the cheese stays gooey? The oven is superior to the microwave for reheating. Place your portion in a baking dish, add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen the sauce, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This creates a small steam chamber that restores the "cloud-like" texture of the ricotta and ensures the mozzarella remains stretchy and golden.
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