A Zesty Guide: Baked Ziti Assembly (2024)

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. It is similar to lasagna but without the fuss of layering noodles, making it a quicker and easier alternative. This baked pasta dish is a combination of ziti noodles (or any other short pasta shape) tossed with sauce and cheese and baked to perfection. The key to a good baked ziti is a generous amount of sauce and cheese, with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella being the most commonly used cheeses. The dish can be easily adapted to personal preferences, with options to include meat, vegetables, or different types of cheese. Baked ziti can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Choosing the right pasta

The pasta is the star of the show in any baked ziti recipe, so it's important to choose the right type. The ideal pasta for baked ziti will be a short, tubular shape that can hold the sauce and meat or vegetables effectively. Here are some options to consider:

Ziti

Ziti is the traditional choice for this dish and is a common pasta shape that can be found in most areas. It is a hollow, smooth tube-shaped pasta, similar to a short straw. The name ziti means "bride or bridegroom" in Italian, and it is often served at weddings in some parts of Italy. Ziti is an excellent choice for baked dishes as it holds its shape well during cooking and has a substantial texture that can stand up to hearty sauces and fillings.

Penne

If you can't get your hands on ziti, penne pasta is a suitable substitute. Penne is a diagonally cut tube-shaped pasta that also works well in baked dishes. Look for penne with ridges, as this will help the sauce cling to the pasta better, resulting in a more flavourful dish.

Other Alternatives

While ziti or penne are the most common choices for baked ziti, other tube-shaped pastas such as rigatoni or even straight-cut pasta tubes can also work. The key is to choose a short, sturdy pasta shape that will hold its shape during baking and provide a substantial bite along with the sauce and other ingredients.

Remember, the quality of the pasta you choose will also make a difference in the final dish. Opt for a reputable brand and follow the package instructions for cooking to ensure your pasta is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, before adding it to your baked ziti casserole.

Making the sauce

While the water is heating, start preparing the sauce. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meat. If you are using Italian sausage, break up any large chunks as it cooks. If you are using ground beef or pork, sprinkle with a little salt.

When the meat is mostly browned, add the onions and stir well. Sauté until the onions are translucent and beginning to brown, which should take around 4 to 5 minutes.

Next, add the garlic, rosemary or basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, and cook for another minute. Then, add the tomato sauce and stir well. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed. You can also add other seasonings like oregano, sugar, basil, thyme, or parsley to taste.

If you are adding vegetables or meat to your sauce, now is the time to do so. Sautéed spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, or other vegetables can be stirred into the sauce. For a heartier dish, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or other proteins.

Combining the pasta and sauce

Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti or penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8 minutes, but follow the package directions for the best results. Remember, you don't want to overcook the pasta at this stage as it will continue to soften during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. For a meaty sauce, brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both in a large skillet over medium heat. You can also add chopped onions and garlic to enhance the flavour. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and simply sauté some spinach or other vegetables of your choice. Once the meat is browned, add your choice of tomato-based sauce, such as marinara, spaghetti, or pasta sauce. You can use a jarred sauce or make your own. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Now it's time to combine the pasta and sauce. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. At this point, you can also add some ricotta cheese to the mixture for extra creaminess. You can simply dollop the ricotta on top of the pasta and gently fold it in, leaving pockets of ricotta throughout the dish. This adds a delicious layer of creaminess to the baked ziti.

Once the pasta and sauce are combined, it's time to assemble the dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If you're using ricotta, you can add dollops of it on top of the pasta layer. Then, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Next, add the remaining pasta mixture and spread it evenly. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, ensuring it is well-coated. Finally, sprinkle the top with more shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

By following these steps, you'll have a perfectly combined pasta and sauce mixture for your baked ziti. The key is to ensure the pasta is well-coated with sauce and that the ricotta is evenly distributed for a creamy texture. Now, your baked ziti is ready to be baked and enjoyed!

Adding the ricotta

Firstly, prepare the ricotta mixture by combining it with other ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg to the mixture for a smoother consistency. It is essential to season the ricotta adequately to enhance the overall flavour of the dish.

For a classic baked ziti, spread a thin layer of tomato or meat sauce at the bottom of your casserole dish. Then, add half of the cooked ziti, and generously dollop the ricotta mixture on top. You can also add other ingredients like spinach or meat at this stage. Next, add the remaining ziti, followed by another layer of sauce. This layering technique ensures the dish is creamy and flavourful.

For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, creating a golden-brown finish, while the Parmesan adds depth to the overall flavour.

Finally, cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your dish and the amount of ziti you've assembled. Typically, it should take around 20-30 minutes for the dish to bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Remember, the key to a perfect baked ziti is a generous amount of sauce and cheese! Don't be afraid to layer on the goodness for that ultimate cheesy, saucy experience.

Baking

Now that you've assembled your ziti, it's time to bake it!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you're baking straight away, this is a good temperature to ensure your ziti is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

If you're baking from chilled, you'll need to add a little more time, and it's recommended to cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake for 15 minutes covered, then a further 15-20 minutes uncovered.

If you're baking from frozen, it's best to thaw the ziti overnight in the fridge first. Then, bake covered for 30 minutes, and a further 30-45 minutes uncovered.

Your ziti is ready when the cheese is golden and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will ensure it keeps its shape when sliced and served.

There you have it—a delicious, saucy, and cheesy baked ziti!

Frequently asked questions