Neapolitan Baked Ziti

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Naples with this Neapolitan Baked Ziti, a comforting Italian classic bursting with flavor and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This layered pasta bake features tender ziti enveloped in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and basil. Creamy ricotta and nutty Parmesan cheese are blended to create a luscious filling, while a golden blanket of bubbly melted mozzarella crowns the dish. Simple yet indulgent, this baked ziti recipe is easy to prepare, boasting just 20 minutes of prep time and a deliciously cheesy, baked-to-perfection finish. Garnish with fresh basil for an elegant touch and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that embodies the soul of Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 250 grams ricotta cheese
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 300 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 optional for garnish fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan until well combined.

Step 6

In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.

Step 7

Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 8

Repeat the layering by adding another layer of sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and finishing with the remaining mozzarella on top.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2047.4 grams (2047.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3683

Total Fat 143.50g	184%
Saturated Fat 68.70g	344%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 416mg	139%
Sodium 6525mg	284%
Total Carbohydrate 432.40g	157%
Dietary Fiber 42.00g	150%
Total Sugars 58.70g
Protein 193.40g	387%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4088mg	314%
Iron 26mg	144%
Potassium 3514mg	75%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.0%

Protein: 20.4%

Carbs: 45.6%