Baked Ziti with a Twist

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. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture.
5. 5.
   Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. 7.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. 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.