Ingredients with Measurements:
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Special Equipment Needed:
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked ziti to the sauce mixture and mix together.
5. Pour the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 441
Fat: 16.4g
Carbohydrates: 49.6g
Protein: 20.2g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
• Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
• Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese.
• Parsley can be substituted with basil.
• Oregano can be substituted with Italian seasoning.
Variations:
• Add 1/2 pound of cooked Italian sausage to the ziti mixture.
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped bell pepper to the ziti mixture.
• Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms to the ziti mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
• To make the dish spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the ziti mixture.
• To make the dish creamier, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the ziti mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 15 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.
Garnishes:
Garnish the baked ziti with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot.
Suggested Side Dishes:
• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
• If the dish is too dry, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or white wine to the ziti mixture before baking.
• If the dish is too wet, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs to the ziti mixture before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
• Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
Food History:
Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is a variation of the classic Italian dish, baked pasta al forno.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory and cheesy flavor with a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Comforting, Hearty