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🍲 THE ULTIMATE BAKED ZITI — A LOVE LETTER TO COMFORT FOOD
Made the mistake of halving this recipe last time… and it vanished in minutes. Lesson learned: when it comes to comfort food, more is more.
I post recipes frequently — don’t miss the next one! 🍝❤️
🧄 A Little History…
Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian-American classic, known for its hearty, soul-hugging layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese. Originating from Southern Italy as pasta al forno, this dish traveled with Italian immigrants and found a home in American kitchens. It’s the cousin of lasagna — but easier, faster, and just as satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, baked ziti is a no-fail, love-filled favorite.
👩🍳 INGREDIENTS
Serves 6–8 food lovers (or 4 very hungry ones who won’t be sorry)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity)
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Cheese Layer:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup extra Parmesan
- Fresh basil to garnish (optional)
🧑🍳 METHOD
- Make the Sauce (The Heartbeat ❤️):
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft (5 min). Add garlic and cook another minute. Add ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Season with oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce thicken and flavors deepen.
- Boil the Pasta (The Base 🍝):
Cook ziti in salted boiling water until just under al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. - Mix the Ricotta Layer (The Creamy Hug 🧀):
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble (Where the Magic Happens ✨):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish:- Spread a layer of sauce
- Add half the pasta
- Dollop half the ricotta mix
- Sprinkle mozzarella
- Repeat layers until all used
- Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top
- Bake (The Love Bake ❤️🔥):
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let sit 10 minutes before serving — if you can wait!
📝 FORMATION (aka Assembly Strategy!)
Layering is key — don’t just dump everything in! Build it like you’d build trust in a relationship: carefully, with intention, and always ending on a strong note (cheese, in this case 😏).
🥹 CONCLUSION
This dish is more than dinner — it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s shared moments around a table, leftovers you’ll look forward to, and the joy of seconds (and thirds). I halved this once and immediately regretted it. Don’t make that mistake.
💌 FOR THE LOVERS (yes, you!)
To all the food lovers out there:
This one’s for the pasta night romantics.
The late-night leftover raiders.
The home cooks who believe in love at first bite.
May your cheese be melty, your sauce rich, and your bellies full.
🔁 Save it. Share it. Double it.
📣 I post recipes frequently — don’t miss the next one!
💬 Let me know in the comments:
Would you add a veggie twist? Or go full meat lover mode?👇
#BakedZiti #ComfortFood #RecipeOfTheDay #FoodLoversUnite #PastaNight
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