Baked Ziti: A Delicious and Comforting Dish
Have you ever craved a warm and cheesy pasta dish that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma? Look no further than baked ziti! This classic Italian-American recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a hearty meal, baked ziti never disappoints. In this article, I’ll share with you my personal recipe for baked ziti, along with some tips and tricks to make it even more delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
I make this when I want a meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. My family goes crazy for this because it combines all the flavors we love – tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! I sometimes use penne pasta instead of ziti, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite homemade tomato sauce. This recipe is versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until the pasta is completely coated.
4. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Transfer the ziti mixture to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Don’t worry if the ziti looks a bit weird when you first mix it with the sauce – it always does! The flavors meld together beautifully during the baking process, resulting in a deliciously cohesive dish.
Variations
I’ve experimented with a few variations of this recipe, and one that stands out is adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for an extra protein boost. However, I’ve also tried substituting the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese, and I have to admit, it didn’t turn out as creamy as I had hoped. Stick with ricotta for the best results.
Equipment
While a baking dish is essential for this recipe, if you don’t have one on hand, you can use a casserole dish or even a deep oven-safe skillet as a workaround. The key is to ensure that the dish is large enough to hold all the pasta and sauce without overflowing.
Storage Information
Although baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, it never lasts that long in my house! The leftovers are so delicious that they are usually devoured within a day. However, if you do have some leftover, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving baked ziti with a simple green salad on the side. The fresh, crisp lettuce provides a nice contrast to the rich and comforting flavors of the pasta. You can also pair it with garlic bread or toasted ciabatta for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
One lesson I learned from experience is to resist the temptation to rush the baking time. Trust me, I once tried taking the ziti out of the oven too early, and the cheese didn’t melt properly. Patience is key when it comes to achieving that perfect golden crust!
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes wonderfully. Simply let it cool completely, then divide it into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: While ziti is traditional for this dish, you can certainly use other types of short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with different cheeses. Some delicious alternatives include fontina, provolone, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Now that you know the secrets to making a mouthwatering baked ziti, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. I promise you won’t be disappointed with the result. So go ahead, channel your inner Italian nonna, and indulge in this comforting and delicious dish!
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
-
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until the pasta is completely coated.
-
Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Transfer the ziti mixture to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
-
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!