Classic Baked Ziti with Creamy Ricotta
- Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
- Classic Baked Ziti with Creamy Ricotta: Proper Comfort Food
- Serving Up Goodness: Presentation is Key
- Storing Like a Pro: Making It Last
- Remixing the Magic: Playing with Flavours
- Nutrition Nuggets: Feeling Good About Your Food
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive into this! ever find yourself craving something utterly comforting? something that screams "sunday dinner at grandma's"? yeah, me too.
That's where baked ziti with ricotta comes in! it's pure, unadulterated, cheesy, tomato-y bliss. this is a classic baked ziti recipe that's about to become your new go-to.
Baked Ziti Bliss: Your Quick Start Guide
This baked ziti wonder isn’t just a pasta dish. it's a hug in a baking dish! hailing from the italian american tradition, it's basically a deconstructed lasagna without all the fuss.
It's really very similar to a salad pasta dish. this recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish, yielding a generous 6-8 servings.
This is one of the best ziti recipes you will find.
The Magic of this Baked Pasta Recipes
Honestly, one of the best things is that you get a good dose of protein thanks to the ricotta and mozzarella.
I love to serve it up for potlucks. everyone raves about how good it is! making it a perfect option for pasta dinners .
But what truly sets this pasta dinner recipe apart? it’s that creamy ricotta mixture that melts into every bite. it takes this italian dinner from good to unbelievably delicious.
This Baked Ziti Recipe has benefits and will make your day.
Now that you're properly salivating, let's get to the good stuff the ingredients!
Right, let's dive into what you need to make this classic baked ziti recipe . honestly, getting the ingredients right makes all the difference.
So, grab your shopping bags. we're off to the shops!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
This isn't just a list. It's your guide to amazing baked ziti with ricotta . Trust me. I've had a few fails until I nailed this down. Let's not repeat my mistakes.
Main Ingredients: Size Matters!
Okay, here's the lowdown. It's crucial.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Any will do.
Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped ( 1 cup / 150g ). Brown ones are fine.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 2 teaspoons / 6g ). Don't skimp!
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can ( 28 ounce / 794g ). San Marzano if you're feeling fancy.
Tomato Sauce: 1 can ( 15 ounce / 425g ). Plain is best.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Adds that je ne sais quoi to your pasta dinner .
Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). Just a touch.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ). Optional, for a kick.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Balances the acid.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces , whole milk ( 425g ). Fresh is the key! Taste it. It should be creamy and slightly sweet. If it's sour? Bin it.
Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten ( approx. 50g ).
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup , grated ( 25g ). Real Parmesan, mind you.
Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped fresh ( 15g ). Adds freshness to this Italian dinner .
Ziti Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ). Cook al dente!
Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces , shredded ( 225g ). Low-moisture, part skim melts best.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
- Essential combo: Oregano + basil. That's Italian magic.
- Flavor enhancers: A pinch of sugar in the sauce. Honestly, it works wonders!
- Substitution options: Fresh herbs instead of dried, if you've got them. Rosemary or thyme? Go for it!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need fancy gadgets.
- Large pot: For boiling pasta.
- Large skillet: For the tomato sauce. A saucepan will do.
- 9x13 inch baking dish : Essential for baked pasta recipes .
- Mixing bowl: For the ricotta mix.
Honestly? That's it. You’re all set to create an amazing baked ziti . So get ready to taste the best ziti recipes . This pasta dinner recipe is sure to impress!
Right, here's a slice of an article, just like we were nattering over a cuppa. let's make it about that classic, comforting dish, baked ziti with ricotta .
Oh my gosh, it's proper comfort food, innit?
Classic Baked Ziti with Creamy Ricotta: Proper Comfort Food
Honestly, sometimes you just need a big ol' dish of baked pasta recipes to make everything better. this classic baked ziti recipe with creamy ricotta is it.
It's like a warm hug, but in pasta form. forget those fancy dinners, this is proper italian dinner territory. easier than lasagna, tastes just as good.
Think of it as the ultimate pasta dinner recipe .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row, Love
Essential mise en place : first, chop your onion and mince your garlic. get that ricotta, egg, parmesan, and parsley ready to go.
Grate your mozzarella, too. it sounds like a faff, but makes life easier. honestly. time saving organization tips : cook the ziti recipes while the sauce simmers.
Multi tasking, my dear. safety reminders : don't be a numpty! use oven gloves when handling the hot dish. watch your fingers with that grater.
step-by-step: Easy Peasy
- Sauté onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft. Add 2 cloves minced garlic; cook till fragrant.
- Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!), 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a good 20 minutes .
- Cook 1 pound ziti pasta until al dente . Drain well. Overcooked pasta is a crime against baked pasta recipes !
- Mix 15 ounces ricotta, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked ziti with half the tomato sauce. Layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish: sauce, ziti, ricotta, then 8 ounces mozzarella. Repeat layers, topping with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Stops it from being a sloppy mess.
Pro Tips: Secret Chef Moves
- Don't overcook the ziti. Al dente is the key. Trust me on this one. If you're wanting to impress maybe consider a salad pasta dish for starter.
- Avoid a watery sauce. Simmer it long enough. A thicker sauce clings to the pasta better.
- make-ahead option: Assemble the baked ziti earlier in the day. Just cover and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.
Right, there you have it. Give it a go. You know you want to! This Baked Ziti Recipe will be a winner. It is a great choice in Pasta Dinners .
Right, let's talk Recipe Notes for this belting Classic Baked Ziti Recipe ! Honestly, the recipe itself is pretty straightforward, but a few little things can really elevate it from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" You know? Let's dive in, shall we?
Serving Up Goodness: Presentation is Key
So, you've pulled your glorious baked ziti with ricotta out of the oven. Steam is billowing, the cheese is bubbling... now what? Don't just plop it on a plate! Think about presentation.
A sprig of fresh basil on top is a simple touch that adds a pop of colour. dusting with extra grated parmesan never hurt anyone either.
On the side, a vibrant salad pasta is a classic choice. thinking about drinks? a simple italian red wine is lovely.
For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is refreshing.
Storing Like a Pro: Making It Last
Got leftovers? lucky you! this baked ziti recipe is just as good the next day. to keep it fresh, get it into the fridge within two hours.
Cover it well or pop it into an airtight container. it'll keep for 3-4 days . if you are a planner, freezing is doable.
Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film. or you can even put it in freezer safe containers.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. be sure to check that it's piping hot !
Remixing the Magic: Playing with Flavours
Fancy a twist? this ziti recipes are easily adaptable! for a vegetarian option, load up on roasted veggies like courgettes, aubergines, and peppers.
They add a fantastic flavour. if you need a gluten-free version, just use gluten-free pasta. it's that easy! you could even try adding some spicy sausage for a bit of a kick!
Nutrition Nuggets: Feeling Good About Your Food
This baked pasta recipes is comfort food, yes, but it also packs some goodness. it's got calcium from the cheese, protein from the ricotta, and fibre from the tomatoes.
Obviously, it's not a salad, but it's a balanced meal. just be mindful of portion sizes, yeah? these pasta dinners can be quite filling!
So there you have it! a few little tweaks to make your baked ziti with ricotta even more spectacular. don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! after all, cooking is all about enjoying the process and creating something delicious.
This italian dinner is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. get in there and try this pasta dinner recipes , this baked ziti .
You've got this! and remember, even if you mess up a bit, it'll probably still taste pretty good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baked ziti is a brilliant make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast the day before - a real time saver!
How do I store leftover baked ziti with ricotta, and how long will it last?
Leftover baked ziti will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. When reheating, you can use the microwave (though the texture won't be quite as good) or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Think of it as a delightful lunch waiting for you, like a pasta based episode of The Repair Shop but for your tummy!
What if my baked ziti with ricotta is too watery?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! To prevent watery baked ziti, be sure to drain the cooked pasta really well and use good quality ricotta cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the ricotta mixture, which will help to absorb excess moisture during baking.
It’s like making sure your Victoria Sponge doesn't sink preparation is key!
Can I add meat to this baked ziti recipe?
You bet! Adding meat is a fantastic way to make baked ziti even heartier. Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey and stir it into the tomato sauce. You could even use leftover roast beef for something a bit special.
It’s a flexible dish, so treat it like a pizza personalize it with your favorite toppings!
Is there anything I can substitute for ricotta cheese in baked ziti?
If you're fresh out of ricotta, cottage cheese can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it really well to remove excess moisture. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
This is like using a substitute ingredient in a Victoria Sponge - not quite perfect but will still do the trick.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning on top of my baked ziti with ricotta?
Burnt cheese is a tragedy no one wants to endure! If the cheese is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top, as it tends to brown more slowly than mozzarella.
Just think of it as putting a tiny umbrella over your cheese to save it from the sun.
Classic Baked Ziti With Creamy Ricotta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
