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Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

I’ve tried countless baked ziti recipes, but Ina Garten has made hers truly heavenly!

The ziti is coated with a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming, thanks to the right mix of tomatoes and seasonings.

One thing I’ve found is letting the ricotta warm up a bit before spreading it makes layering much easier.

Using fresh mozzarella really takes it to another level, giving you that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.

To get that slightly crispy edge on the pasta, let the dish sit in the oven a few extra minutes.

How to Make Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz., crushed)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella (cubed)
  • 1 cup Parmesan (grated)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano (dried)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, approximately 8 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the sausage with the onion until browned.

Add garlic and stir for a minute more.

Step 3:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Let simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix the cooked ziti, sausage sauce, and mozzarella together in a large bowl.

Step 5:

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

ina garten baked ziti on a plate

Choose Quality Ingredients

Always pick high-quality cheeses and Italian sausage to enhance the flavors of the baked ziti.

Using fresh spices can further elevate the taste of the dish.

Perfect Pasta Cooking

Make sure not to overcook the ziti during boiling.

A firm texture helps keep it from becoming mushy while baking, maintaining the overall structure of the dish.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the dish to sit for around 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

This settling period helps meld the flavors together beautifully, making it a treat to savor.

Customize with Vegetables

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.

It’s a great way to personalize the dish and add nutritional value.

Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven to preserve the texture and flavor.

Ensure the dish is covered with foil to keep moisture locked in.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Baked Ziti

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is a classic pairing with baked ziti. You will find its crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the cheesy goodness of the pasta.

You might also enjoy adding some garlic or herb croutons for an extra crunch!

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with garlic bread. It is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate.

For a fun twist, try using different types of bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough.

Grilled Asparagus

Sometimes you want something a bit different, and grilled asparagus is a wonderful choice. The charred flavor from the grill complements the richness of the ziti wonderfully.

A splash of lemon right before serving adds a nice brightness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts might not be the first thing you think of, but they pair beautifully with baked ziti.

Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and they provide a hearty bite against the pasta.

Caprese Skewers

For a fun and fresh option, try Caprese skewers. They offer a burst of freshness with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.

Drizzle them with balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options

You can easily swap out ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you prefer a slightly different flavor and texture.

Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a twist.

Meat Preferences

Using ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage keeps it light but still juicy and flavorful!

If you prefer a vegetarian dish, skip the meat altogether or add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty feel.

Pasta Choices

If you can’t find ziti, others like penne or rigatoni work perfectly well with this recipe.

Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta can make the meal fit specific dietary needs or preferences.

Sauce Tweaks

Store-bought marinara can be used, but adding a splash of red wine enhances the flavor incredibly!

For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Baked Ziti

When you have leftover Ina Garten baked ziti, storage is key to maintaining its flavor and texture.

Use an airtight container to keep the baked ziti fresh in the refrigerator for the best quality.

It should last up to three days in the fridge.

To store for a longer period, you could also place the baked ziti in the freezer.

Freezing Process

Let the baked ziti cool before freezing to prevent moisture buildup in the container.

Transfer the baked ziti to a freezer-safe container to store it properly.

It can be frozen for up to three months.

Alternative Ingredients

Consider adding fresh herbs when storing your leftovers for added flavor later.

Herbs like basil or parsley can refresh the dish when you reheat it next time.

These simple steps will help you maintain its deliciousness for future meals!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta

The pasta should be cooked until it is slightly firm or almost al dente.

Overcooking can result in an unappetizing, mushy texture once baked.

It’s crucial to drain it well and stop the cooking process promptly!

Insufficient Seasoning

Be generous with seasoning your sauce to bring out the best flavors.

A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can make all the difference.

Feel free to adapt the seasoning to match your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to experiment!

Not Letting It Rest

After baking, allow the dish to cool down slightly before serving.

This helps the ziti to set and absorb the flavors properly.

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a little patience goes a long way!

ina garten baked ziti recipe

Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

I’ve tried countless baked ziti recipes, but Ina Garten has made hers truly heavenly!
The ziti is coated with a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming, thanks to the right mix of tomatoes and seasonings.
One thing I’ve found is letting the ricotta warm up a bit before spreading it makes layering much easier.
Using fresh mozzarella really takes it to another level, giving you that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
To get that slightly crispy edge on the pasta, let the dish sit in the oven a few extra minutes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage casings removed
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz., crushed
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cubed
  • 1 cup Parmesan grated
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Oregano dried

Instructions

  • Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, approximately 8 minutes.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the sausage with the onion until browned.
  • Add garlic and stir for a minute more.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  • Let simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Mix the cooked ziti, sausage sauce, and mozzarella together in a large bowl.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

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