Classic Baked Ziti
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 22 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 37 mins
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Servings
8 Servings
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Calories
481 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Classic Baked Ziti
Description
Classic Baked Ziti starts with ziti or similar pasta cooked just short of done, ensuring it finishes cooking in the oven while absorbing flavors from a hearty tomato sauce. The sauce features olive oil, minced garlic, canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, complemented by dried basil, oregano, and a touch of sugar to balance acidity.
A creamy mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan adds richness and helps bind the pasta during baking. Mozzarella cubes distribute melted, gooey pockets throughout the dish. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, yielding a comforting texture contrast between tender pasta and melted cheeses.
This dish works well served as a main course alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread. Notes include effective substitutions such as rigatoni or penne for ziti, using fresh basil at the end of simmering, and tips for freezing before baking to prepare meals ahead. Parmesan quantity can be adjusted based on preference.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cottage cheese about 2 cups, 1% fat
- 2 large egg
- 2 ounces Parmesan Cheese about 1 cup, freshly grated
- 1 pound ziti pasta like rigatoni or penne, or other similar pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 medium garlic finely minced (about 5 teaspoons, cloves
- 1 (28-ounce) (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk 1% or above
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4-inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs and 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the pasta in a pot of salted, boiling water until it begins to soften but isn't cooked all the way (cook it about three minutes short of the package directions) - it will finish cooking in the oven.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil and oregano; simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Take off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and leave it in the colander. Return the pot (no need to wash) to the stovetop. Whisk together the cornstarch and milk and pour it into the pot set over medium heat. Bring the milk to a simmer and cook until thickened, whisking constantly, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup or so of the simmered tomato sauce, and half of the mozzarella cubes. Stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat well with the saucy mixture.
- Transfer the pasta to the prepared pan and spread the remaining tomato sauce evenly over pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cubes and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to cook until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, about 30 minutes longer. Cool for 10 minutes. Serve.
Notes
- Penne or rigatoni are good substitutes for ziti pasta if unavailable.
- Fresh basil can replace dried basil by stirring 1/2 cup in off the heat at the end of simmering the sauce.
- Avoid substituting ricotta for cottage cheese as it can make the dish drier.
- To freeze, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover with greased foil, freeze, and bake from frozen by adding about 20 extra minutes plus a longer covered baking time.
- Reducing Parmesan cheese amount is possible without greatly affecting flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 481 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 481kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1129mg | 47% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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