Main CourseDinner

Baked Ziti

Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 450 g ziti pasta uncooked; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 pcs yellow onion finely chopped; 3 clove garlic minced; 800 g crushed tomatoes canned; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 425 g ricotta cheese part-skim; 240 g mozzarella cheese shredded; 60 g parmesan cheese grated; 1 pcs egg large; 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

A classic comforting pasta dish featuring ziti baked with a rich tomato sauce and a creamy, cheesy filling. This vegetarian casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 1 hr 15 min
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Medium

Allergen information: may contain eggs and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

450 gziti pasta, uncooked
1 tbspolive oil
1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
3 clovegarlic, minced
800 gcrushed tomatoes, canned
2 tbsptomato paste
1 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
425 gricotta cheese, part-skim
240 gmozzarella cheese, shredded
60 gparmesan cheese, grated
1 pcsegg, large
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

large bowl · large pot · dutch oven · spoon · 9x13 inch baking dish

The method

Step by step

1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
About 5 min
2
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain well and set aside.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcook the pasta as it will bake further in the oven.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
4
Add the yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
About 5 min
5
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
About 1 min
7
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The longer the sauce simmers, the richer the flavor.
8
In a separate large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, the egg, and the fresh parsley.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
9
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly.
About 2 min
10
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
11
Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Distribute evenly for cheesy goodness in every bite.
12
Cover with the remaining pasta mixture.
About 1 min
13
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: This will create a beautiful golden crust.
14
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
15
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.