Easy, delicious, and simple to prepare, this flavor-packed Giada Baked Lemon Ziti is what you’re looking for during spring and summer, cooked using ziti pasta, pancetta, lemon, Parmesan, and mozzarella.

To make Giada’s Baked Lemon Ziti, start by cooking the ziti until al dente, crisping up the pancetta, and preparing the zesty cheese sauce. Combine everything, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this recipe. Try it out, leave a comment below, and let’s chat about how amazing it turned out.

Giada De Laurentiis Baked Lemon Ziti Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
• Salt, to taste
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 12 ounces pancetta, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices, then chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
• Zest from 2 large lemons
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Baked Lemon Ziti

1. Get your oven ready: place an oven rack in the center and preheat your oven to 350 degrees f. Grease a 13x9x2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with olive oil.
2. Boil the pasta: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Drop in the ziti and cook until it’s tender yet firm to the bite, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Crisp the pancetta: while the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped pancetta and fry until it’s brown and crispy, roughly 8 minutes. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and let it drain on some paper towels.
4. Make the sauce: melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to keep it lump-free. Stir in the lemon zest and keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Take the sauce off the heat and blend in the parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine everything: in a large bowl, mix the thickened sauce, cooked pancetta, boiled pasta, basil, and thyme. Make sure everything is nicely coated. Now stir in the lemon juice. Spoon this zesty mixture into your greased baking dish and evenly sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Top it off: in a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this over your pasta dish and drizzle some more olive oil on top.
7. Bake to perfection: pop the dish in the oven and bake until the top turns a lovely golden brown, which should take about 25 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Can I Make Giada Baked Lemon Ziti Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, you can prepare this dish a day ahead! Just assemble everything in your baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as directed. It’s a brilliant way to save time and stress less when you’re aiming to impress.

Recipe Tips

• Pasta Prep: Always cook your pasta just until it’s al dente; remember, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven, so you don’t want it turning mushy—nobody likes a saggy pasta!
• Cheese Choices: Don’t shy away from experimenting with different cheeses; try using a mix of smoked provolone or gouda with mozzarella for a deeper flavor that might just make your taste buds sing.
• Sauce Savvy: If you want the lemon flavor to really pop, consider adding a splash of white wine to your sauce as it simmers; this will add an extra layer of zesty sophistication to the dish.
• Crispy Topping: For an extra crunch, mix some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into your breadcrumb topping; it adds a lovely texture contrast and a bit of a nutty surprise.

Recipe Variations

• Veggie Lover’s Dream: Switch out half the pancetta for some roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini; this not only adds color and nutrients but also makes the dish a bit lighter.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce or on top before baking; it’s like giving your ziti a little pep talk before the big bake-off.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well; no one should miss out on this delicious dish because of dietary restrictions.
• Seafood Spin: For a pescatarian-friendly version, replace the pancetta with shrimp or chunks of salmon; it’ll feel like your ziti just took a little seaside vacation.

What To Serve With Baked Lemon Ziti

Serve your Baked Lemon Ziti with charred corn and avocado salsa, steamed green beans, radicchio, and orange salad with a citrus vinaigrette, and sautéed mushrooms with thyme and garlic for a hearty complement.

You can also pair it with a chilled quinoa citrus salad or a simple beet and goat cheese salad.

How To Store Leftover Baked Lemon Ziti

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Baked Lemon Ziti in the fridge, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. It’s crucial to ensure the lid seals tightly to maintain freshness. This ziti can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

Baked Lemon Ziti does not freeze well because the creamy sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

How To Reheat Leftover Baked Lemon Ziti

Reheat your leftover Baked Lemon Ziti in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Arugula Pesto
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Vesuvio
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Carbonara