Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that has captivated hearts and palates for generations: Baked Ziti. Originating from the vibrant culinary tapestry of Italy, this delectable dish has become a global sensation, gracing dinner tables and special occasions with its irresistible charm. Baked Ziti is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite.
This article presents a curated collection of Baked Ziti recipes, each with its unique twist on this classic dish. From the traditional and comforting to the modern and innovative, these recipes cater to every palate and preference. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, you'll find a recipe here that will guide you towards Baked Ziti perfection.
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.
BAKED ZITI
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, and add ziti. Cook the ziti until just al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes, and drain.
- Meanwhile, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet. Stir in the ricotta and basil leaves.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce in the bottom of a 15-by-10-inch Pyrex baking dish. Layer half of the ziti on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella cubes and half of the provola. Pour 2 cups of the sauce over the cheese, and spread in an even layer. Top with the rest of the pasta, and spread 2 cups sauce over that layer of pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining cheeses, and dollop with the remaining 1/2 cup of sauce.
- Place the dish in the oven, and bake, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting. (If you want to assemble this ahead, bake for 15 minutes covered with foil, then, when ready to serve, uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.)
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a good quality Italian sausage. You can use mild, sweet, or hot sausage, depending on your preference.
- Be sure to brown the sausage well before adding it to the sauce. This will help to develop the flavor.
- Use a combination of cheeses for the filling. This will give the dish a more complex flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- To make sure the ziti is cooked evenly, stir it occasionally while it's baking.
- Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With a few simple tips, you can make a baked ziti that is even better than your favorite restaurant version.
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