Classic Baked Ziti A Taste of Italy

Classic Baked Ziti A Taste of Italy

You know that feeling when you walk into your kitchen and smell something amazing cooking? The aroma of garlic, basil and tomato sauce wafting through the air, making your mouth water. Well, that’s exactly what happens when you make classic baked ziti. This ooey gooey baked pasta dish is comfort food at its finest and a taste of Italy in your own home. Baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry family or for entertaining friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be transported straight to Tuscany. So preheat that oven, boil the pasta, and get ready to dive fork-first into a delicious, bubbling dish of cheese and sauce. Your kitchen is about to smell irresistible!

What Is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is an Italian-American classic that combines pasta, cheese and tomato sauce. It’s comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for baked ziti are:

• Ziti pasta: A medium-sized tubular pasta perfect for baking. Cook the ziti according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

• Tomato sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or make your own. For extra flavor, add Italian sausage, mushrooms, basil and oregano.

• Ricotta and mozzarella cheese: Mix ricotta, egg, salt and pepper. Layer the cheeses with the cooked ziti and sauce. Top with mozzarella for melting.

• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a punch of flavor. Sprinkle it between layers and on top.

• Italian seasoning: Dried or fresh herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme add an authentic Italian taste.

• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the sauce extra flavor. Sauté it with the onions and Italian sausage.

Assembly

1. Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Top with a layer of cooked ziti, ricotta mixture, mozzarella and parmesan.

3. Repeat layers two more times, ending with sauce.

4. Spread remaining tomato sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.

5. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes, then dig in!

With its layers of pasta, cheese and sauce, baked ziti is a hearty, satisfying dish. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners or any time you’re craving comfort food with an Italian twist. Mangia!

Ingredients You'll Need for Baked Ziti

To make classic baked ziti, you'll need a few basic ingredients.

Pasta

For this dish, ziti pasta works best. It's shaped like little tubes that hold sauce well. Grab a 1-pound box of ziti to start. Some other options include penne, rigatoni or mostaccioli.

Sauce

You'll want a hearty tomato-based sauce, like marinara. Make your own from scratch or use a pre-made sauce. Aim for 3 to 4 cups. Look for a sauce with Italian tomatoes, olive oil, basil, oregano, and garlic. Avoid anything too sweet.

Cheese

No baked ziti is complete without melted cheese. Use ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, or a blend. For extra decadence, throw in some shredded or grated parmesan and romano. About 16 ounces of cheese total should do it.

Herbs

Dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and parsley add flavor. Use 1-2 tablespoons of whatever herbs you like.

Other ingredients

You'll also want 1/2 cup grated onion or shallots, 3-4 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper. For a meaty ziti, add 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, ground beef or shredded chicken.

With all these classic ingredients, you'll be enjoying a delicious, bubbling hot dish of baked ziti in no time. Buon appetito!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Ziti

To make classic baked ziti, follow these simple steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta

• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes

• 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

2. In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Add the cooked pasta and ricotta cheese and stir to coat, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water as needed to create a sauce. Transfer half the pasta to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. Top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Spread the remaining pasta over the top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly. Allow to stand 10 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Your classic baked ziti is ready to enjoy! The melted cheese and tomato sauce are a match made in heaven. Buon appetito! Dig in and savor a taste of Italy.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

To make your baked ziti truly authentic, keep these tips in mind:

Use Italian ingredients

Use Italian cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone. Pecorino Romano, an aged sheep's milk cheese, also works great. For the tomato sauce, use San Marzano tomatoes which are sweeter and less acidic. Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes also enhance the flavor. Fresh basil, oregano, rosemary and parsley are must-have herbs.

Don’t overcook the pasta

Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, referring to pasta that is still firm when bitten. Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process so the pasta retains its shape and firmness. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy when baked.

Use bread for extra flavor

Add cubes of Italian bread to soak up excess sauce and create a hearty dish. Bread also adds texture. For extra decadence, brush the bread with garlic butter or olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan before adding to the ziti.

Add meat (optional)

Ground beef or Italian sausage are popular additions. Cook the meat, then add to the tomato sauce. The meat adds heartiness, protein and a savory flavor. For a vegetarian version, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini and eggplant to the sauce instead of meat.

Top it off

After baking, top the ziti with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Fresh basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and grated lemon or orange zest also make great garnishes. A drizzle of olive oil and a glass of Chianti complete the classic Italian meal.

Buon appetito! When made with love and care, baked ziti can transport you straight to Italy with every bite. Follow these tips to make an authentic baked ziti worthy of any Italian nonna.

Variations on Classic Baked Ziti

Once you’ve mastered the classic baked ziti, try some variations to mix things up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Veggies

For extra nutrition and flavor, stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, eggplant or zucchini. Cook the veggies, then add to the ziti and sauce before baking. You can also add fresh or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Use Different Cheeses

Replace some or all of the ricotta and mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, fontina or gouda. For extra decadence, add cream cheese, mascarpone or goat cheese. Mixing two or three cheeses also works great.

Add Meat

Ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni and prosciutto are all perfect additions to baked ziti. Cook the meat, then add to the pasta and sauce before baking. For a lighter option, add cooked chicken.

Kick Up the Flavor

Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, rosemary, oregano or fresh or sun-dried herbs to boost the flavor of the sauce. You can also add olives, capers, anchovies or pine nuts for a savory, salty kick.

White Sauce

For something different, make a creamy alfredo or white clam sauce instead of the traditional red sauce. Mix with ziti and cheese and bake as directed.

Pesto Ziti

Toss cooked ziti in basil pesto, then mix with ricotta and mozzarella cheese before baking. Top with pine nuts or parmesan cheese.

Baked ziti is endlessly versatile and customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment - you really can’t go wrong! Mixing and matching cheeses, sauces, meats and veggies will yield lots of new flavor combinations to enjoy.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a classic Italian dish that will transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside with every bite. Baked ziti is comfort food at its finest, meant for sharing with friends and family. The melted cheese, aromatic herbs, and tomato sauce come together for a flavor explosion in your mouth. And the best part is how easy it is to make. You don't need to be an expert cook to whip up a batch of baked ziti. Just gather some simple ingredients, follow the steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of baked pasta. Close your eyes, take a bite, and you're instantly transported to Italy. Mangia!