![Baked Ziti with a Twist](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-auto,dpr-auto/recipes/baked-ziti-with-a-twist--88a17835-925f-483f-8177-2d6b0bb8135d.png)
Recipe
Baked Ziti with a Twist
Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight
4.6 out of 5
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian-American cuisine with this delectable Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together to create a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your cravings.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
40 minutes
Total time
60 minutes
Yields
6 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Egg-free
Allergens
Milk, Wheat
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto
Ingredients
-
500g (1 lb) ziti pasta 500g (1 lb) ziti pasta
-
2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
-
1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
-
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
2.Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
3.In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
4.In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture.
-
5.Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
-
6.Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
-
7.Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
-
8.Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
-
9.Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
10.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
-
11.Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Ziti pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite when baked.
- Tomato sauce — Use a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
- Ricotta cheese — For a smoother texture, you can blend the ricotta cheese in a food processor before layering it in the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese — Shred the mozzarella cheese yourself for better melting and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more pronounced taste.
Tips & Tricks
- To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the baked ziti before serving.
- For a meaty variation, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
- Serve the Baked Ziti with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving advice
Serve the Baked Ziti hot, straight from the oven, to fully enjoy the gooey and cheesy texture. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a delightful meal.
Presentation advice
When serving, use a spatula to carefully portion out the Baked Ziti, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
More recipes...
For Baked Ziti
For Italian-American cuisine » Browse all
More Italian-American cuisine dishes » Browse all
![Spaghetti and Meatballs](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/spaghetti-and-meatballs--512f402d-820c-441f-b1e6-2991a04db57a.png)
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. The dish consists of spaghetti pasta topped with meatballs and...
![Clams Oreganata](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/clams-oreganata--5c567243-5027-4c3a-9f2e-fb924d504c9e.png)
Clams Oreganata
Clams Oreganata is a classic Italian appetizer that is perfect for seafood lovers. It is made with fresh clams, breadcrumbs, and oregano.
![Spaghetti Pie](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-400,dpr-auto/dishes/spaghetti-pie--9972339c-b7b5-453f-8112-a184a5301d60.png)
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It is made with spaghetti, ground...