Baked Ziti

When it comes to a classic baked ziti, we wanted to create a recipe that would truly impress and delight. Our focus was on perfecting every element of this family favorite, ensuring a dish that is not only delicious but also simple to make. By paying attention to details, such as cooking the pasta al dente and incorporating a flavorful sauce, we were able to achieve a baked ziti that stands out from the rest. Our easy sauce, infused with sautéed garlic and red pepper flakes, combined with crushed tomatoes for a rich and savory flavor. The addition of some of the pasta cooking water to the sauce ensured a moist and luscious casserole. With a creamy layer of ricotta, a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a finishing touch of fresh basil, this baked ziti is sure to please. It’s important to use high-quality ingredients like whole-milk ricotta and full-fat cheeses for the best results. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Follow the instructions below to create a perfect baked ziti that will leave everyone wanting more.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ziti
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounces (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

PREPARATIONS:

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the ziti and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is nearly al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Dry the now-empty pot and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until fragrant but not browned about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, approximately 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and add the cooked pasta and reserved cooking water, breaking up any clumps.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
6. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish. Dollop large spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the dish, then spread the remaining pasta on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake the ziti until bubbling around the edges and the cheese is spotty brown, about 25 minutes. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Cooking it until nearly al dente ensures it will not become too soft during baking.
• Incorporating some of the pasta cooking water into the sauce helps prevent the dish from becoming dry.

TIPS:

• Use good-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving to give it time to set and make it easier to serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 370
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg

With attention to detail and a focus on flavor, this baked ziti recipe delivers a truly impressive and satisfying dish. The combination of al dente pasta, a flavorful sauce infused with garlic and red pepper flakes, and layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a delicious and comforting meal. By following the provided instructions and using high-quality ingredients, you can achieve a perfectly baked ziti that will please both family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this baked ziti is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this classic pasta dish and savor every bite.