Baked Ziti Recipe
Make Baked Ziti Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese
Sauce & Aromatics
Assembly & finishing
Method
Pasta & Cheese
- 1
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (about 1 tbsp salt per 4-6 quarts). Add 1 lb ziti and cook 1-2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside; do not rinse.
- 2
Mix the cheese filling
In a large bowl combine 2 cups ricotta, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1 cup grated parmesan, 1 large egg, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped basil (if using), 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Sauce & Aromatics
- 3
Sauté aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- 4
Make the tomato sauce
Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes, then add a 28 oz can crushed tomatoes. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), and 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly & finishing
- 5
Preheat oven and prepare dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick spray.
- 6
Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese
In a very large bowl or in the pot used for pasta, add the drained ziti, about 3 cups of the tomato sauce (reserve about 1 cup for the bottom and topping), and the cheese mixture. Gently fold together until pasta is evenly coated and cheese is distributed. If mixture seems dry, add a little more sauce. Spoon a thin layer (about 1/2 to 1 cup) of reserved sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 7
Layer and top
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of grated parmesan and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella over the layer. Add the remaining pasta and spread. Top with the remaining 1 cup sauce, then evenly sprinkle 1 cup extra shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan.
- 8
- 9
Rest and garnish
Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and the remaining chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.