Best 2 Neapolitan Baked Ziti Recipes
Indulge in the culinary symphony of flavors with our Neapolitan Baked Ziti, a dish that takes center stage on the Italian-American dining table. This delectable casserole combines the taste of Italian heritage with a modern twist. Layers of tender ziti pasta, a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices, and a generous helping of melted cheese create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The addition of sweet Italian sausage, sautéed with onions and garlic, adds a savory depth to this classic comfort food. Each bite of this Neapolitan Baked Ziti is a journey through culinary history, satisfying both the palate and the soul. Along with the main recipe, this comprehensive article offers a collection of variations, including a vegetarian option, a spicy rendition, and a gluten-free alternative. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a contemporary twist, you'll find the perfect recipe to suit your taste. So, gather your ingredients, let your senses be tantalized, and embark on a culinary adventure with our Neapolitan Baked Ziti.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
NEAPOLITAN BAKED ZITI
Here is another great RR recipe. This is also delicious with ground sausage or ground sirloin. I substituted regular shredded mozzerella instead of the fresh mozerella that RR used because I don't care for the flavor of fresh mozzerella.
Provided by Sommer_K
Categories European
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Boil ziti just shy of al dente.
- Place a medium sauce pan on medium-high head and add EVOO.
- Cook onion and garlic 4-5 minutes, then add the tomatoes. Smash the tomatoes with the back of a large spoon, then add basil, salt and pepper and simmer 15 minutes.
- Heat a separate medium sauce pan on medium-high heat then add, butter and alllow to melt.
- Add flour and brown 2-4 minutes, then stir in bay leaf, salt and pepper and cook 5 minutes on low heat. Remove bay leaf.
- Mix red sauce with pasta and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Top with white sauce, and both cheeses.
- Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 604, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 59.8, Sodium 390.1, Carbohydrate 72.3, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 6.1, Protein 24.4
NEAPOLITAN BAKED ZITI
Make and share this Neapolitan Baked Ziti recipe from Food.com.
Provided by jaredgentry41
Categories Penne
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven 400°F
- Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to boil to cook the ziti. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta, and cook just shy of al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- While the water is coming up to a boil, start the red sauce: Place a medium-size saucepot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring every now and then until the onions start to get tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and smash them up into small pieces with a potato masher or with the back of a spoon. Add the basil and season with some salt and pepper. Bring up to a bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once you have the red sauce working, make the white sauce: Place a medium-size saucepot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the flour, stir to combine and cook for about a minute. Whisk in the milk, add the bay leaf and season with some salt, pepper and a couple of grates of nutmeg. Bring up to a bubble, turn the heat down to low and gently simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the red sauce in the pot the pasta was cooked in and transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with the white sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and grated Parmigiano over the top, transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes, flavorful cheese, and tender ziti pasta will make all the difference in the final dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente so that it retains its texture and doesn't become mushy.
- Use a good quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil will add a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
- Don't skimp on the cheese: Use a combination of cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta.
- Bake the ziti until it's golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that the cheese is melted and the pasta is cooked through.
- Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Conclusion:
Neapolitan Baked Ziti is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give Neapolitan Baked Ziti a try. You won't be disappointed!
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