Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons sugar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided; ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving; 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines hearty pasta, savory tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent.
Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, ⅓ cup of grated cheese, and chopped basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Assemble the Dish: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Top with half of the sauce mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped basil if

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 to 10
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20

Variations

Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta.
Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
Cheesy: Incorporate ricotta cheese into the layers for added

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, but you can substitute it with whole milk for a lighter version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.Love and Lemons

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a creamier texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Feel free to add ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich tomato sauce, hearty pasta, and melted cheese, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite with your loved ones