Welcome to my recipe blog! Today, I’m excited to share with you a classic and comforting dish – Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti. This hearty and flavorful pasta bake is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave a delicious Italian meal.
Let’s make this easy-to-follow recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
What is Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti?
Ina Garten Baked Ziti is a traditional Italian-American pasta dish featuring ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting casserole that combines robust flavors and a delightful texture, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for any home cook.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving a large group, as it’s hearty and satisfying.
- Make-Ahead: Can be prepared in advance, saving time on busy days.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients and variations.
Ingredients Needed for Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Simmer Sauce: Return cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add the pasta mixture, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a perfect pairing.
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, enhances the meal.
- Antipasto: Start with an antipasto platter featuring olives, cheeses, and cured meats.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is slightly firm to avoid overcooking in the oven.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and taste fresher.
- Layer Ingredients: Layering the pasta and sauce helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables or use different types of meat.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well for convenient future meals.
Variations of Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- Vegetarian: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in more cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for an even richer dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Meat Lovers: Add ground beef or turkey along with the sausage for a meatier version.
Storing Ina Garten Baked Ziti: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
- Labeling: Clearly label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.
- Portioning: Consider dividing into individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating Ina Garten Baked Ziti: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power.
- Avoid Drying Out: Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the ziti from drying out during reheating.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
FAQs
can you tell me its prep time, cooking time, cuisine, and cooking method (mention only one) and Nutrition value (per serving) list in bullet points)
Final Words
There you have it – a complete guide to making Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti. This comforting, hearty dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, you’ll love making and sharing this baked ziti with family and friends. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Divan
- Pioneer Woman No Peek Chicken
- Pioneer Woman Salmon Patties
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli
- Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten Baked Ziti is a traditional Italian-American pasta dish featuring ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting casserole that combines robust flavors and a delightful texture, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Simmer Sauce: Return cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add the pasta mixture, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
