Baked Ziti

Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 15 oz tomato sauce; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

A hearty Italian-American pasta bake featuring ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and multiple cheeses. This comforting casserole is layered with creamy ricotta and topped with melted mozzarella for the perfect family meal.

55 minMediumServes 8450 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDinnerOvenVegetarianPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 lb ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
3

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4

Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 15 oz tomato sauce, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5

In a medium bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 lightly beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6

In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture (dolloped evenly), half of the remaining sauce, and half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
7

Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
8

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Baked Ziti at?

For Baked Ziti, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 20 minutes, in step 8.

What should Baked Ziti look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 8: cook until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Is there a substitute for ricotta in Baked Ziti?

The entry for Baked Ziti calls for 15 oz ricotta cheese. In its place: Small-curd cottage cheese, drained and blended briefly, works in baked dishes. For dairy-free, blend firm tofu with lemon juice and salt.

How hot is Baked Ziti?

Moderately. The heat in Baked Ziti comes from 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Baked Ziti contain eggs?

Yes: 1 egg, lightly beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Baked Ziti?

Refrigerate what is left of Baked Ziti within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through. The pasta keeps drinking the sauce as it sits; loosen it with a splash of water or stock.

Serve it with

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