Teresa's Recipes
Enhanced Taylor Street Baked Ziti
Dive into the heartwarming layers of Enhanced Taylor Street Baked Ziti, where tender ziti pasta meets a velvety blend of cheeses and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in a robust tomato sauce. This beloved Italian-American classic is perfect for family gatherings, evoking memories of cozy dinners and warm conversations. With each forkful, you'll enjoy the gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether it's a cozy night in or a festive celebration, this ziti is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings, bringing a little slice of Italy to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 28 ounces can Crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 3 cups, shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil (optional)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 7g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the prepared tomato sauce. Mix gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even layer for a cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to incorporate cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the ziti mixture for added nutrition.
- You can substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.