Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Pampanella sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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 package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Pampanella sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
8. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
9. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
10. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of sausage can be used instead of Pampanella sausage.
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of sausage.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of ziti.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese such as provolone or fontina.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to salt the pasta water before cooking the ziti.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small pieces while cooking.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the baked ziti in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top of the baked ziti before serving.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add more tomato sauce or a splash of milk.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food History:
- Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor Profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti as a main course for dinner.
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Region: Italian