Butternut Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5.0
150 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
40 mins
-
Cook Time
1 hr 40 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
-
Servings
6 to 8 people
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Butternut Baked Ziti
Report
Butternut squash baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Squash, fire roasted tomatoes, parmesan and mozzarella make the best sauce ever.
Share:
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked
- 1 14 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup milk, whatever kind you prefer!
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup seasoned fine breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the squash with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast until tender and slightly caramelized on the edges, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to the directions. When finished, you can run it under cool water to stop it from cooking and also give it a quick spray of olive oil, tossing it, to keep it from sticking together.
- Reduce the heat in the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place the squash, tomatoes and garlic in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan or skillet (make sure it’s large enough to add the ziti!) and add the milk. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often.
- Once the squash mixture is warmed, stir in most of the cheese. Add in small handfuls and stir until completely melted before adding more. I like to do about three quarters of the cheese, saving some for the top. Once the cheese is all melted, taste the sauce and season it more if needed. I like to start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper if needed.
- Add the ziti to the squash sauce and toss well. Transfer all of the ziti into the baking dish. Scoop the ricotta in between the ziti - I like to do spoonfuls folded between the pasta all throughout the dish. Top the ziti with the remaining cheese. Top with the breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly on top. Serve!
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
150 reviews
Excellent
Other Recipes
You'll Also Love
