Ziti al Forno, or baked ziti, transcends mere pasta; it's a comforting culinary hug, a dish steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. Originating in the heart of Italian-American communities, this baked pasta casserole is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to extraordinary heights. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti, swimming in a rich, meaty ragu, nestled amongst creamy ricotta and a blanket of bubbling mozzarella. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a sun-drenched Italian kitchen, filled with the warmth of family and the promise of a delicious meal.
This recipe, a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations of Brooklyn Brothers, offers a taste of that authentic experience. We've perfected the balance of savory and creamy, ensuring every bite is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. Ready to experience the magic of Ziti al Forno? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this unforgettable dish together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- Butter (unsalted): 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 cups
- Black Pepper: a pinch
- Tomato Sauce: 3 cups
- Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces
- Fontina Cheese
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: 8 ounces
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
- Grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
- Ziti Pasta
- Parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Creamy Cheese Sauce & Ziti Prep
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until translucent .
- Pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Add a pinch of black pepper .
- Simmer for 3 minutes, until slightly thickened .
- Stir in 3 cups of tomato sauce .
- Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella, 8 ounces whole milk ricotta, fontina cheese, and pecorino romano cheese. Mix well .
- Preheat oven to 400°F .
- Cook ziti al dente. Add the cheese sauce to the cooked ziti and mix thoroughly .
Step 2. Assemble and Bake
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil spray .
- Pour the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with another cup of mozzarella cheese .
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the top .
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Garnish with parsley before serving .
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- Cook the ziti al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking .
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
While ziti is traditional and ideal for holding the sauce, you can substitute with other tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just be sure it's a sturdy pasta that won't break easily.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the baked ziti?
You can assemble the ziti up to a day ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
Absolutely! Omit the sausage or ground beef for a vegetarian version. For a vegan version, substitute the ricotta with a vegan ricotta alternative and use plant-based sausage crumbles. You may also need to adjust the spices slightly.
So there you have it – the Brooklyn Brothers' secret to the ultimate baked ziti al forno. This recipe, a testament to simple ingredients and masterful technique, will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!