Classic Italian Baked Ziti Delight
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Italian Baked Ziti Delight, inspired by a beloved recipe from Cook's Illustrated. This dish features tender ziti pasta baked to perfection, enveloped in a rich and savory sauce made from fresh tomatoes and aromatic garlic. Layered with creamy cottage cheese and mozzarella, it's a deliciously satisfying one-dish meal that is perfect for family gatherings or entertaining friends. This recipe has been tested and perfected to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor, making it the best baked ziti you'll ever try!
10
Servings
440
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese
1 lb (1% fat, crumbled)
Eggs
2 large (lightly beaten)
Parmesan Cheese
3 ounces (grated)
Salt
to taste
Ziti Pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Garlic
5 medium cloves (minced)
Tomato Sauce
1 (28 ounce) can
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon
Fresh Basil
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (chopped)
Sugar
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
to taste
Cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon
Heavy Cream
1 cup
Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, beaten eggs, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside this creamy mixture.
3
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the ziti pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta begins to soften but is not completely cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and leave to sit.
4
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
5
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the heavy cream, then pour the mixture into the Dutch oven. Set over medium heat, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened, around 3 to 4 minutes.
7
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup of prepared tomato sauce, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese until well combined. Add the cooked ziti and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
8
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 13x9 inch baking dish and spread the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
9
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about another 30 minutes.
10
Once done, let the dish cool for 20 minutes for easier serving. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of fresh basil and enjoy this delightful baked ziti!
Nutrition Information
36g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Baked Ziti Delight?
It is a comfort food dish featuring tender ziti pasta, a savory tomato and garlic sauce, and layers of creamy cottage cheese and mozzarella.
Is this baked ziti recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains pasta, cheese, and vegetables without any meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving of this baked ziti contains 440 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 1 pound of uncooked ziti pasta.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
How long do I need to boil the ziti pasta?
Boil the pasta for 5 to 7 minutes until it begins to soften but is not completely cooked.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved version from Cook's Illustrated.
Which cheeses are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 13x9 inch baking dish.
How long does the dish need to bake in total?
The dish bakes for a total of 60 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and another 30 minutes uncovered.
Why should I let the ziti cool for 20 minutes before serving?
Allowing it to cool for 20 minutes makes the dish easier to portion and serve.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch and heavy cream?
They are combined and simmered to create a thickened base for the pasta mixture.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 medium cloves of minced garlic.
Is sugar used in the sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is added to the tomato mixture to balance the flavors.
Where should I place the oven rack?
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position for even baking.
How much fresh basil is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil for the sauce and an additional 3 tablespoons for the garnish.
What type of cottage cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 lb of 1% fat, crumbled cottage cheese.
How many eggs are used in the cheese mixture?
The recipe uses 2 large, lightly beaten eggs.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing the garlic?
Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What types of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses one 28-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The 8 ounces of mozzarella should be cut into 1/4 inch pieces.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
You will need approximately 3 ounces of grated Parmesan, divided between the cheese mixture and the topping.
What herb is used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and fresh basil.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients listed for this baked ziti recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
Does the recipe call for salt in the pasta water?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the 4 quarts of boiling water for the pasta.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Common tags include baked ziti, italian, pasta, comfort food, one dish meal, cheesy, vegetarian, and casserole.