Baked Ziti

Kitchen Equipment

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large Skillet: For sautéing vegetables and meat.
• Baking Dish: Where you’ll layer and bake the ziti.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
• Oven Mitts: To handle the hot dish.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish while baking.

Recipe Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the ziti bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
   • If using meat, add it now and cook until browned.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce mixture.
   • Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread a layer of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
   • Repeat the layers until all the pasta and cheese are used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Notes and Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare Baked Ziti a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a hearty, veggie-packed dish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Food and Drink Pairings

Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the rich flavors of the dish. Alternatively, a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can also be a refreshing choice.