Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the tomato sauce, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 460
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 670mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Penne pasta can be used instead of ziti pasta.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce for a meaty version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the tomato sauce for a vegetable version.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality canned tomato for the sauce, as it will be the base of the dish.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the baked ziti is too watery, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the appropriate temperature to ensure that they are safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, cheesy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Rich, Garlicky, Tomato, Tomato-Y