Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is made with ziti pasta, a hearty tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This article provides three different recipes for baked ziti:
* **Classic Baked Ziti:** This is the traditional recipe for baked ziti, made with a simple tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti:** This recipe adds spinach and artichoke hearts to the classic baked ziti recipe for a flavorful and unique twist.
* **Chicken and Sausage Baked Ziti:** This recipe adds chicken and sausage to the classic baked ziti recipe for a hearty and protein-packed meal.
All three recipes are easy to follow and can be made in under an hour. They are perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a special occasion.
THE BEST BAKED ZITI
I am half Italian, was raised eating the finest Italian-American cuisine, and have filmed almost 2000 recipe videos, so when you consider all of those facts, it seems incredible that I have never posted a video for baked ziti. Hopefully I make up for that long wait by posting what I think is the best version of it.
Provided by Chef John
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 2h20m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cut down the length of each sausage with a sharp knife. Remove and discard casings.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Add sausages and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the sausage begins to brown, and the onion turns translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in marinara sauce. Pour 1 cup water into each jar to rinse out remaining sauce; add to the saucepan. Stir together and bring sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off heat and reserve until needed. Before using, skim any excess fat that rises to the surface.
- While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 or 2 minutes less than the directions on the package call for, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl.
- Carefully add the meat sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared dish, then use a spatula to even out into a uniform layer. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and then 1/2 of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, being sure to distribute evenly. Top with the rest of the pasta and sauce mixture and give the pan a little shake to settle the sauce. Repeat the cheese application.
- Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 627.1 calories, Carbohydrate 58.1 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 30.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 1380.1 mg, Sugar 14.4 g
BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE
This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.
Provided by Ashley
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook and stir until brown, about 10 minutes. Drain sausage and set aside.
- Stir together the ricotta, egg, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the drained pasta, the drained sausage, salt, pepper, and 1/2 jar of the spaghetti sauce; mix well.
- In the prepared baking dish, cover the bottom with 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Then layer the remaining 1/2 of the pasta, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with basil. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover; return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 649.4 calories, Carbohydrate 68.9 g, Cholesterol 85.5 mg, Fat 27.4 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 1485.1 mg, Sugar 14.9 g
BAKED ZITI II
Three cheeses layered with pasta and marinara sauce. This recipe is so easy and so good!
Provided by BUCHKO
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes Ziti Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse.
- In a medium bowl, mix ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg and 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spoon in ziti mixture. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce, followed by Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes; let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 703.2 calories, Carbohydrate 72.6 g, Cholesterol 113 mg, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 38.2 g, SaturatedFat 15.1 g, Sodium 1110.5 mg, Sugar 14.1 g
BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE
Great ziti dish for any lover of pasta. Easy to make and 'wows' the crowd.
Provided by skentals
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti in boiling water until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes; drain. Rinse ziti with cold water until cool; drain.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Mix ziti, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour ziti mixture into the dish. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven until sauce and cheese layer is bubbly and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.5 calories, Carbohydrate 53.3 g, Cholesterol 59.9 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 1140.7 mg, Sugar 5.6 g
BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
Any dinner table benefits from the addition of this great Italian flavor!
Provided by Food Network
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook sausage links according to package directions; drain, cut into ¼-inch slices.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage slices, pasta, pasta sauce, water, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pepper and mix well.
- Spoon mixture into a greased 9-in. x 13-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
- Arrange garlic bread slices on top of meat mixture.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, dip tomato slices into olive oil.
- Place one slice of tomato on each piece of bread.
- Bake uncovered, at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with basil leaves. Serve.
CREAMY BAKED ZITI
Ziti pasta bakes with layers of creamy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese in an easy and comforting dish that's ready in less than an hour.
Provided by Kraft
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt. Remove from pan; drain. Meanwhile, add marinara sauce, tomatoes and cream cheese to same pan; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Return pasta to pan; mix well.
- Layer half the pasta mixture in 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with layers of sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella and remaining pasta mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 20 min. or until heated through.
BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE
This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.-Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; place in a large bowl. In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and cut into 1/2-in. slices., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and remaining Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Add sausage to the remaining pasta mixture; spoon over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.
Nutrition Facts :
BAKED ZITI
A quick and easy way to prepare a tasty and filling pasta dish, originally from Mr. Food. Just use your favorite bottled spaghetti sauce. You can use any shape of pasta. I do add more cheese, but I love cheese!
Provided by Junebug
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Boil ziti, following package directions, drain and place in a large bowl.
- Mix all the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella with the ziti.
- Spray a 13x9 pan with Pam.
- Cover the bottom half of the pan with about half the sauce.
- Put the ziti mixture on top of sauce.
- Pour remaining sauce on top of ziti.
- Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and it is lightly golden.
MEATLESS BAKED ZITI
This meatless baked ziti can feed a lot of people, and is cheap and easy to make ... wonderful comfort food for the fall and winter.
Provided by Meganginna
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian Main Dishes Pasta
Time 1h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Rinse and drain.
- Mix mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, onion, parsley, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in drained pasta and 2 cups of marinara sauce.
- Pour 1 cup marinara into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread to coat. Pour pasta and cheese mixture into the pan, top with remaining marinara, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake, covered, in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue to bake until bubbly and cheese is browned, about 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.5 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 63.4 mg, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 24.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 790.8 mg, Sugar 9.3 g
BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES
Offer this simple, hearty dish with a green salad, crusty garlic bread and a light red wine, like Beaujolais.
Provided by Carmela M. Meely
Categories Pasta Tomato Bake Mozzarella Sausage Spinach Bon Appétit California
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic and sauté until sausage is cooked through, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto. Season sauce with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes.
ITALIAN BAKED ZITI
This comforting Italian dish has a from-scratch spaghetti sauce, ziti pasta and a generous combination of cheeses. You can easily double the recipe to serve a larger crowd.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. , Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, tomato paste, water, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, basil and 1/2 teaspoon oregano. Cover and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. , Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper., Spread 1 cup meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with half of the pasta, a third of the meat sauce and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and oregano. , Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 818mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 27g protein.
BAKED ZITI RECIPE BY TASTY
Supremely saucy and cheesy, baked ziti is a family favorite for a reason! Toss ziti or your favorite tube-shaped pasta with a quick homemade tomato sauce and ricotta-Parmesan mixture, then layer with more ricotta and mozzarella and bake until bubbling and delicious.
Provided by Betsy Carter
Categories Lunch
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with the butter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring to coat the aromatics, until the tomato paste is deep brick-red, about 2 minutes.
- Add the whole tomatoes and their juices, using a potato masher or your hands to crush them into the sauce. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, 20 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of ricotta, the Parmesan, remaining teaspoon of salt, and remaining teaspoon of pepper to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
- Reserve 2 cups of tomato sauce in a bowl, then add the ricotta-Parmesan mixture to the remaining tomato sauce in the pot and stir to combine.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta tomato-ricotta sauce and stir until well coated.
- Add half of the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Cover with 1 cup of the reserved tomato sauce, ¾ cup of the mozzarella, and ½ cup of the remaining ricotta. Add the remaining pasta, then repeat with the remaining cup of tomato sauce, ¾ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of ricotta.
- Bake until the mozzarella is golden brown and the tomato sauce is bubbling, 25-30 minutes.
- Garnish with the basil before serving.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams, Sugar 7 grams
GIADA'S BAKED ZITI WITH MEATBALLS
Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis Show: Food Network Specials Episode: An Italian Christmas With Mario and Giada
Provided by Phil Franco
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the Romano and the parsley, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add beef and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into bite-size meatballs. Roll each meatball in flour to coat, shaking off excess.
- In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. If not using immediately, cover top with plastic wrap so that pasta does not dry out. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the ziti.
- In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs in batches and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove meatballs to a plate.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce and ricotta and mix well. Add the cooked ziti and meatballs and toss gently.
- In a large greased baking dish, pour in pasta mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Romano all over the top. Dot with the butter. Place baking dish on top of baking sheet covered with aluminum foil to collect any drippings from the dish. Bake until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1813.9, Fat 104.9, SaturatedFat 53, Cholesterol 423.3, Sodium 2985.7, Carbohydrate 122.2, Fiber 8.7, Sugar 17.2, Protein 96.1
BAKED ZITI
This baked ziti is layered almost like a lasagna to ensure every bite has enough creamy ricotta, stringy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. But the key to its success comes from undercooking the pasta during the initial boil so it stays perfectly al dente, even after a trip to the oven. Heavy cream is added to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy or dry during baking, letting it be its most luscious self. While this baked ziti is meatless (there's plenty of richness from the cheese - three types, to be exact), you could always incorporate a bit of sausage, ground meat or pancetta, if you like. Simply add 1/2 pound to the onions while sautéeing and proceed with the recipe.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, casseroles, main course
Time 2h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until it has turned a deeper brick-red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes by hand and add them (including the juice) and the tomato purée to the pot, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper and add red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Prepare the pasta: As the sauce cooks, heat oven to 425 degrees, and place a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove.
- Cook pasta until it's nearly al dente. (You want to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. A good way to do this is cook it 2 minutes less than you normally would if preparing it al dente.) Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta and rinse with cool water; set aside while the tomato sauce finishes cooking.
- Once tomato sauce is done, stir in reserved pasta water.
- Place pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly encouraging the sauce to go inside each tube.
- Spoon a bit of remaining sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with 1/3 of the pasta. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture and scatter 1/3 of the mozzarella on top of that. Repeat, beginning with the pasta, one more time. For the final layer, add the last 1/3 of pasta and the last of the sauce. Dot remaining mozzarella on top and shave a bit more Parmesan on top of that. Place baking dish on top of a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and bubbling and the top has browned nicely, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before eating with a big green leafy salad.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 682, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 18 grams, Sodium 983 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams
THREE-CHEESE BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE
This version of baked ziti omits the usual ricotta cheese (or its substitutes) and adds Italian sausage, with very satisfying results!
Provided by Doug in Manhattan
Time 1h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 4-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses in a bowl and place in the refrigerator.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- At the same time, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break up into morsels. Sprinkle baking soda onto sausage, then add onion and garlic. Cook and stir, continuing to break up any clumps as it cooks, until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off and discard any grease.
- Add pasta sauce, olives, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, anchovy paste, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add up to 3 tablespoons more oil if desired, and continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ziti.
- Spread 1/2 of the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 of the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top. Spoon or ladle the rest of the ziti evenly on top without disturbing the layers underneath; it's okay to have some ziti partially exposed as they will brown handsomely and deliciously as they bake. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese mixture on top and sprinkle Parmesan across the surface.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 1144.9 mg, Sugar 11.3 g
BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE
With its rich Italian flavor and generous combination of cheeses, it's hard to believe this pasta entree is light. this simple, meatless baked ziti is made up of six ingredients. It's sure to become a favorite with your family.-Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. , Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with a third of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1 cup sauce. Repeat layers of pasta, ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining pasta, sauce mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 508mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CREAMY BAKED ZITI
Cream cheese is the secret to the silky sauce in this vegetarian baked pasta dish, while mozzarella and Parmesan create a golden bubbling crust on top.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains Baked Ziti Recipes
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place tomatoes in a food processor and puree until smooth.
- In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes, and cook until golden and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes. Bring to a boil over high, then reduce heat to medium and cook at a rapid simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a pot of generously salted boiling water, cook pasta 4 minutes less than according to package instructions (about 6 minutes total). Drain into a colander and rinse under cold water until cool, then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Stir cream cheese into sauce until melted, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour 1 cup sauce into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; spread into an even layer. Scatter half of mozzarella over sauce. Add 3 cups sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan to bowl of pasta; toss to coat. Add pasta mixture to the baking dish in an even layer. Top with remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake on a rack in the top third position until cheese is melted, 10 minutes. Switch oven to broiler setting; broil until cheese is bubbly and browned in places, about 3 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes; serve.
BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE MEATBALLS AND SPINACH
Baked ziti is meant to feed a crowd, and this one surely does. "Cheater" meatballs made with uncased Italian sausage are strewn throughout the sauce for heft, and baby spinach lends a pop of color. Because ricotta has a tendency to dry out when baked, crème fraîche is added to ensure a more velvety texture, but sour cream thinned out with a little heavy cream works just as well. The whole dish can be assembled and baked ahead the day before. Bring it to room temperature before warming, then broil right before serving for crisp edges.
Provided by Colu Henry
Categories dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course
Time 1h45m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Using your hands, shape the sausage into about 35 (1-inch) meatballs.
- In a deep 12-inch skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium. Working in two batches, fry the meatballs until golden all over, about 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or platter. Cook the onion until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, gently crushing them. Stir in the meatballs, bring to a simmer and cook, 20 minutes. Gently fold in the spinach, tossing until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until 2 to 3 minutes short of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, crème fraîche and half the pecorino. Season with salt and pepper. Stir half the meatball sauce into the ricotta mixture. Add pasta and toss together to coat. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish that's at least 2 1/2 inches deep. Top with the remaining meatball sauce, the mozzarella and the remaining pecorino. Place uncovered baking dish on a sheet tray and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Turn heat to broil and cook until the cheese and pasta brown in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. (Don't walk away; the cheese can burn very quickly!) Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 567, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams
SUPER CHEESY BAKED ZITI
The best baked ziti recipe for those who like it very cheesy and flavorful!
Provided by Baby Bunny
Time 50m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
- Combine 4 cups mozzarella, pasta sauce, ricotta, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked ziti and mix well to coat. Transfer to a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over top, along with parsley. Cover with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until thoroughly heated and cheese on top is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 456.9 calories, Carbohydrate 40.9 g, Cholesterol 69.9 mg, Fat 20.8 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 25.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 797.9 mg, Sugar 7 g
BAKED ZITI WITH SPICY PORK AND SAUSAGE RAGù
How to Make Baked Ziti with Spicy Pork and Sausage Ragù
Categories Garlic Pasta Pork Tomato Sauté Super Bowl Mozzarella Bacon Carrot Red Wine Winter Thyme Potluck Simmer Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and sauté until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to bowl. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Add half of pork to drippings in pot; sauté until brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to bowl with pancetta. Repeat with remaining pork. Add sausage to same pot. Sauté until no longer pink, breaking up with back of fork, about 5 minutes. Add onions, carrots, celery, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add wine and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Add pancetta and pork with any accumulated juices; boil 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice. Cover and cook until pork is very tender, adjusting heat as needed to maintain gentle simmer and stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.
- Uncover pot; tilt to 1 side and spoon off fat from surface of ragù. Gently press pork pieces with back of fork to break up meat coarsely. Season ragù to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish or other 4-quart baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; mix into ragù. Season mixture to taste with salt and pepper; transfer to prepared dish. Sprinkle both cheeses over. Bake until heated through and golden, about 20 minutes.
- *Pancetta (Italian bacon cured in salt) is available at Italian markets and in the refrigerated deli case of many supermarkets.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will be. This means using fresh vegetables, high-quality cheese, and a flavorful sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Use a variety of cheeses: Using a blend of cheeses will give your baked ziti a more complex and flavorful taste. Some good options include mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and provolone.
- Don't skimp on the sauce: Sauce is what brings all the flavors of baked ziti together. Be sure to use a flavorful sauce that you enjoy.
- Bake the ziti until it's bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that the cheese is melted and gooey and that the pasta is cooked through.
Conclusion:
Baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your baked ziti is perfect every time. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give baked ziti a try!
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