Baked ziti is a quintessential Italian-American comfort dish, renowned for its hearty layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This casserole-style meal is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a classic baked ziti recipe, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying result.
Ingredients
To create a traditional baked ziti that serves 8, you’ll need the following:
-
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
-
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Introduce the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Mix until well blended.
-
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sausage tomato sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out to cover the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
-
Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the baked ziti for a burst of color and added flavor.
- Serve warm, perhaps accompanied by a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for an Exceptional Baked Ziti
-
Pasta Choice: While ziti is traditional, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni can be used as substitutes.
-
Cheese Variations: For a creamier texture, consider mixing ricotta with cottage cheese or adding a layer of béchamel sauce.
-
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
-
Freezing Instructions: Baked ziti freezes well. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
By following this recipe, you can create a delectable baked ziti that’s sure to please any crowd. Its harmonious blend of pasta, savory sauce, and melted cheese makes it a timeless dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.