Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon 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
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 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 oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. 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, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
5. Add water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Spread half of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Add the ziti mixture on top of the tomato sauce.
9. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the ziti mixture.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 490
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 820mg
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of ziti.
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
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.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze all the excess water out of the thawed spinach to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish becomes too watery, try using less tomato sauce or adding more cheese to thicken it up.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, try broiling for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
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 slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish for dinner.
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Region: Italian