Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

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Kitchen Equipment

  • Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
  • Colander: To drain the pasta.
  • Large Skillet: For sautéing vegetables and meat.
  • Baking Dish: Where you’ll layer and bake the ziti.
  • Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
  • Oven Mitts: To handle the hot dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking.

Recipe Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the ziti bakes evenly.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
    • If using meat, add it now and cook until browned.
    • Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce mixture.
    • Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Assemble the Dish:
    • Spread a layer of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
    • Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
    • Repeat the layers until all the pasta and cheese are used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
  6. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Notes and Tips

  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare Baked Ziti a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Food and Drink Pairings

Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the rich flavors of the dish. Alternatively, a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can also be a refreshing choice.

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