Neapolitan Baked Ziti
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Naples with this Neapolitan Baked Ziti, a comforting Italian classic bursting with flavor and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This layered pasta bake features tender ziti enveloped in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and basil. Creamy ricotta and nutty Parmesan cheese are blended to create a luscious filling, while a golden blanket of bubbly melted mozzarella crowns the dish. Simple yet indulgent, this baked ziti recipe is easy to prepare, boasting just 20 minutes of prep time and a deliciously cheesy, baked-to-perfection finish. Garnish with fresh basil for an elegant touch and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that embodies the soul of Italian cuisine.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 250 grams ricotta cheese
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 optional for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top.
Repeat the layering by adding another layer of sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and finishing with the remaining mozzarella on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3683 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.5 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.7 g | 344% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 416 mg | 139% | |
| Sodium | 6525 mg | 284% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 432.4 g | 157% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.0 g | 150% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.7 g | ||
| Protein | 193.4 g | 387% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4088 mg | 314% | |
| Iron | 26.0 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 3514 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
