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Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well.
- Spread half of the tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the ziti and cheese mixture. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and comforting pasta dish is believed to have originated in Southern Italy, where it was a popular family meal. The dish made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants and quickly became a staple in Italian-American cuisine. The recipe typically includes ziti pasta, a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of three cheeses - usually mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan. The dish is then baked until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey and indulgent meal. In the United States, Three Cheese Baked Ziti gained popularity in Italian-American communities, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago, where it became a beloved comfort food. Many Italian-American chefs and restaurants have put their own spin on the dish, adding unique ingredients or techniques to make it their own. Today, Three Cheese Baked Ziti can be found on the menus of countless Italian restaurants across the country, each offering their own take on this classic dish. Some chefs may add a touch of cream to the sauce for extra richness, while others might incorporate spicy Italian sausage for a kick of flavor. For those looking to experience the best version of this dish, seeking out a reputable Italian restaurant with a skilled chef is key. The perfect Three Cheese Baked Ziti should have al dente pasta, a well-seasoned tomato sauce, and a generous amount of gooey, melted cheese on top. While the basic recipe for Three Cheese Baked Ziti remains fairly consistent, there are countless variations and alternative methods for making this dish. Some cooks may opt to use different types of cheese, such as fontina or provolone, to add depth of flavor. Others might experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce for a fragrant twist. Ultimately, the key to a delicious Three Cheese Baked Ziti lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed at a cozy Italian trattoria or homemade in a family kitchen, this beloved dish continues to bring comfort and satisfaction to pasta lovers everywhere.
60 min
8
450 calories
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