Best 6 Ziti Stufati Recipes

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**Unveil the Delights of Ziti Stufati: A Culinary Journey through Southern Italy's Beloved Pasta Dish**

In the heart of Southern Italy, where culinary traditions run deep and flavors dance on the palate, lies a dish that captures the essence of rustic charm and delectable taste: Ziti Stufati. This classic pasta dish, originating from the vibrant region of Campania, has captivated taste buds for generations with its hearty combination of succulent stewed meat, velvety tomato sauce, and tender ziti pasta. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the enticing recipes featured in this article, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish.

1. **Traditional Ziti Stufati:** Embark on a culinary journey with this authentic recipe, where slow-simmered beef and pork mingle harmoniously in a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that pays homage to the culinary heritage of Southern Italy.

2. **Ziti Stufati with Sausage:** Indulge in a tantalizing variation where succulent Italian sausage takes center stage, adding a spicy kick and extra depth of flavor to the classic recipe. The combination of sausage, tender beef, and aromatic herbs creates a delectable medley that will leave you craving more.

3. **Vegetarian Ziti Stufati:** Experience a delightful plant-based rendition of Ziti Stufati, where hearty mushrooms, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce come together to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. This meatless version celebrates the bounty of fresh produce, while still capturing the essence of the traditional dish.

4. **One-Pot Ziti Stufati:** Discover the convenience and ease of this one-pot recipe, where all the ingredients are cooked together in a single pot, saving time and effort without compromising on taste. This streamlined approach allows you to savor the same delectable flavors of Ziti Stufati with minimal cleanup.

5. **Ziti Stufati alla Napoletana:** Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Naples with this authentic Neapolitan version of Ziti Stufati. Featuring a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, tender ziti pasta, and a medley of savory ingredients like meatballs, sausage, and peas, this recipe embodies the culinary spirit of Naples.

6. **Ziti Stufati with Roasted Red Peppers:** Elevate your taste buds with this vibrant recipe, where roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness and a pop of color to the classic dish. The combination of tender ziti, succulent meat, and roasted peppers creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your senses.

7. **Ziti Stufati with Spinach and Ricotta:** Experience a delightful twist on Ziti Stufati with the addition of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese. The vibrant greens of the spinach and the smooth texture of the ricotta add a refreshing and indulgent touch to the hearty pasta dish, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey through Southern Italy, where the tantalizing aromas and delectable flavors of Ziti Stufati await. With these diverse recipes, you'll discover the versatility and charm of this beloved pasta dish, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the culinary treasures of Italy. Buon Appetito!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED LEMON ZITI



Baked Lemon Ziti image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Salt
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
12 ounces pancetta, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices, chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature
Zest of 2 large lemons
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
2 cups shredded mozzarella
2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Steps:

  • For the pasta: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13- by 9- by 2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook until brown and crispy, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and drain on paper towels.
  • For the sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the lemon zest. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cheese sauce, cooked pancetta, pasta, basil and thyme. Toss until the ingredients are coated. Stir in the lemon juice. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the mozzarella.
  • For the topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
  • Sprinkle the topping over the pasta mixture. Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake until the top is golden brown, 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and serve.

BAKED ZITI WITH MEATBALLS



Baked Ziti with Meatballs image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup grated Romano
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef
All-purpose flour, for dredging
1 pound ziti
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce
3 cups whole milk ricotta
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

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.

BAKED ZITI I



Baked Ziti I image

A lady I worked with brought this in one day, and it was a hit. Now it is the favorite of all my dinner guests. It's great for a covered dish dinner too. I have made this also without the meat, and it is well received.

Provided by Colleen B. Smith

Categories     Pasta and Noodles     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Ziti Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 ½ cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 578.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.4 g, Cholesterol 71.3 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 913.6 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

THE BEST BAKED ZITI



The Best Baked Ziti image

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

¾ pound hot Italian sausage
¾ pound sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 drizzle olive oil
1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 teaspoon chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, or to taste

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



Baked Ziti image

From Kalamazoo Michigan, Kim Neer makes this comforting Italian dish with a from-scratch spaghetti sauce, ziti pasta and a generous combination of cheeses.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 casseroles (12 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 medium onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (28 ounces) reduced-sodium meatless spaghetti sauce
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
1 package (16 ounces) ziti or 16 ounces small tube pasta
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook beef and onions 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 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, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, salt and pepper., In two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes coated with cooking spray, spread 1 cup of meat sauce. In each dish, layer a fourth of the pasta, 1 cup meat sauce and a fourth of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers of pasta, sauce and cheese mixture. , Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and oregano. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 796mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BAKED ZITI II



Baked Ziti II image

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

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
24 ounces ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality cheese, and flavorful meat or seafood.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will help the pasta hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of different cheeses will give the dish a more complex flavor. Try using a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
  • Add plenty of sauce: The sauce is what makes ziti stufati so delicious. Use a generous amount of sauce so that the pasta is well coated.
  • Bake until bubbly: The dish should be baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will help to create a delicious crust on top of the pasta.

Conclusion:

Ziti stufati is a delicious and versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a meal that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a hearty and comforting dish, give ziti stufati a try.

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