Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Piave Vecchio Riserva cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add grated Piave Vecchio Riserva cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and stir until pasta is coated in sauce.
7. Pour pasta and sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Piave Vecchio Riserva cheese can be substituted with another aged cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Asiago.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the sauce for a veggie-packed version.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of ziti for a different shape.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Don't skip the heavy cream - it adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Serve with a green salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed mushrooms.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to a safe temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It typically consists of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and bubbly, straight out of the oven.
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Region: Italian