Best 4 Ziti With Tomato Pesto Sauce Recipes

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**Ziti with Tomato Pesto Sauce: A Culinary Symphony of Italian Flavors**

In the realm of Italian cuisine, few dishes capture the essence of rustic charm and vibrant flavors quite like Ziti with Tomato Pesto Sauce. This delectable pasta dish combines the classic combination of tomatoes and basil with the rich nuttiness of pesto, creating a symphony of taste that tantalizes the palate. Our carefully curated collection of Ziti with Tomato Pesto Sauce recipes offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, each with its unique twist on this beloved dish. From traditional preparations that honor the simplicity of fresh ingredients to innovative variations that incorporate unexpected flavors, our recipes cater to every taste preference and skill level. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, let us guide you on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MEATY ZITI WITH PESTO DOLLOP



Meaty Ziti with Pesto Dollop image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
2 tablespoons (26 grams) extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound (453 grams) sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium bulb fennel, quartered, cored and thinly sliced (reserve 1/2 cup tender fronds for the pesto)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry red wine
One 28-ounce/794-gram can whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
One 8-ounce/227-gram can tomato sauce (reserve the can)
1 pound (453 grams) ziti
2 cups (224 grams) low-moisture whole milk shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan
One 8-ounce/226-gram ball fresh mozzarella, halved
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil
1 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup fresh fennel fronds
1/4 cup (30 grams) blanched almonds, toasted
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons (10 grams) grated Parmesan, plus more for finishing
1/3 cup (71 grams) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Steps:

  • For the meaty ziti: Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.
  • Heat a large braiser (about 5 quarts) over medium heat and add the olive oil. Crumble in the sausage. Cook, breaking up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the onion, sliced fennel and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Stir to incorporate and allow the red pepper flakes to toast, about 1 minute. Add the wine. Increase the heat to reduce by half, about 2 minutes.
  • Add both cans of tomatoes. Add 1 cup water to the smaller reserved can and add the tomato-water to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook until thick and flavorful, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add the ziti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and add the pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Add almost all the shredded mozzarella (saving some for the top) and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Tear half the fresh mozzarella into smaller pieces and add to the pasta; fold the cheeses into the pasta. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, then dot with torn pieces of the remaining fresh mozzarella.
  • Bake, uncovered, until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden and crusty, 20 to 25 minutes. Meanwhile, make the pesto.
  • For the pesto: Combine the basil, parsley, fennel fronds, almonds, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt and Parmesan in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to make a coarse paste. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady stream to make a smooth pesto.
  • Dollop the pesto on top of the hot pasta. Season with black pepper and finish with grated Parmesan.

ZITI WITH CREAMY PESTO AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Ziti With Creamy Pesto and Italian Sausage image

My family loves this recipe. It is something I came up with on my own. It meets my criteria of quick, easy and yummy. I usually pre cook the sausage so that when I come home I just have to boil the pasta. I have also substituted the sausage with chicken; the pesto sauce with fresh pesto; or the pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. Would be great with mushrooms as well.

Provided by tree1975

Categories     European

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (16 ounce) jar bertolli alfredo sauce
1 (10 ounce) jar pesto sauce
1 lb Italian sausage
1 lb ziti pasta

Steps:

  • Cook sausage according to the package directions.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Cool sausage slightly. Cut into ½-in. coin slices; set aside.
  • Combine Alfredo sauce and pesto in a large bowl. Add sausage.
  • Drain pasta; add to sausage / sauce mixture. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.2, Fat 21.8, SaturatedFat 7.5, Cholesterol 43.1, Sodium 917.9, Carbohydrate 60, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 2.7, Protein 24.4

BEST ZITI EVER



Best Ziti Ever image

Ziti is layered with sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce, then baked until bubbling.

Provided by Dawn

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, divided
12 ounces ricotta cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1 dash salt and pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 teaspoon basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Spread bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with sauce. Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2, the sausage, 1/2 of the ricotta, and 1/2 the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 teaspoons basil and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 695.6 calories, Carbohydrate 71.3 g, Cholesterol 75.2 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 36.6 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 1617.5 mg, Sugar 17.5 g

BAKED ZITI WITH SPECIAL TOMATO SAUCE



Baked Ziti With Special Tomato Sauce image

This sauce has a secret ingredient, grape or currant jelly, that's right, jelly! I use the unsweetened kind, I find the fruit takes the acidity out of the tomatoes.

Provided by Manami

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h8m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb dried ziti pasta
kosher salt
3 1/2 cups quick tomato sauce
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
1/2 lb hot Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
1/2 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 1/2 cups canned tomatoes (whole, peeled in puree & roughly chopped)
italian seasoning
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 cup grape jelly (unsweetened) or 1/2 cup currant jelly (unsweetened)

Steps:

  • QUICK TOMATO SAUCE:
  • Make this first; heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the sausages until begining to brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes more.
  • Add the tomatoes, thyme and jelly or preserves and bring to a boil.
  • Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and sicard the sprig of thyme.
  • Stir in the seasoning and season with pepper, to taste.
  • Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 dayse or freeze up to 2 months. The yield is 5 cups.
  • ZITI:.
  • Preheat oven to 400ºF.
  • Cook the ziti according to pkg directions.
  • Drain.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, cubed mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Transfer the pasta to an oiled 9x13" baking dish.
  • Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
  • Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes.
  • Serve at once.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will be. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a good quality olive oil.
  • Roast the tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor and sweetness. You can roast them in the oven or on the stovetop.
  • Make the pesto ahead of time: Pesto can be made up to 2 days in advance. This makes it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not hold the sauce well.
  • Add the sauce to the pasta while it's still hot: This will help the sauce to adhere to the pasta.
  • Garnish with fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

This ziti with tomato pesto sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The roasted tomatoes and flavorful pesto give the sauce a rich and complex flavor. The pasta is cooked to perfection and coated in a creamy sauce. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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