Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the tomato sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 452
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 26g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of ziti.
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce for a meaty version.
- Use different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, instead of mozzarella.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze all the excess water out of the spinach to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation.
Garnishes:
- Top with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish becomes too watery, try draining some of the liquid before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and meat to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and bubbly straight out of the oven.
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Region: Italian