15 Authentic Italian Ziti Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Ziti is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This baked pasta dish is a staple in Italian-American households and is perfect for feeding a crowd. While there are many variations of ziti, an authentic Italian ziti recipe sticks to the traditional method of preparation and cooking. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key components of an authentic Italian ziti recipe and how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Kosher Salt
This delicious baked ziti recipe from Weelicious is perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple and the dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for those nights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
2of 20
Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Marinara Sauce, Ziti, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
This classic baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With layers of ziti, meat, and cheese, it's a hearty and comforting dish that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
3of 20
Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Cooked Chicken, Alfredo Sauce, Shredded
If you love chicken alfredo, you'll love this baked ziti version. With tender chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and can easily be made ahead of time for a stress-free dinner.
4of 20
Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Marinara
Looking for a no-fuss, easy baked ziti recipe? This one has got you covered. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. It's perfect for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking but still want a satisfying meal.
5of 20
5-Ingredient Italian Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Italian Sausage, Garlic, Kale Leaves
This recipe takes the classic baked ziti and adds a healthy twist with the addition of kale. The Italian sausage adds a delicious flavor and the five simple ingredients make it a breeze to prepare. Plus, the kale adds some extra nutrients to your meal, making it a win-win situation.
6of 20
Cheesy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Salt, Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bulk
Cheese lovers, rejoice! This cheesy baked ziti is sure to satisfy all your cravings. With a variety of cheeses, including ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, this dish is full of flavor and ooey-gooey goodness. It's perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a hungry crowd.
7of 20
Ziti pasta with Italian lardo (ziti lardiati)
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Lardo, Onion, Garlic Clove, Fresh Basil, Cherry
If you want to take your baked ziti to the next level, try this recipe with Italian lardo. The lardo adds a rich and decadent flavor to the dish and takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's a great way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
8of 20
Homemade Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Italian
Sometimes, nothing beats a classic homemade baked ziti. With a homemade marinara sauce and a blend of Italian seasoning, this baked ziti is full of flavor and comfort. It's the perfect dish for a Sunday dinner or for a special occasion.
9of 20
Baked Ziti With Italian Sausage Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic, Ziti
This baked ziti casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With Italian sausage, bell peppers, and plenty of cheese, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's also a great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters.
10of 20
Meatless Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Garlic, Medium Onion
If you're looking for a meatless option, this baked ziti is perfect for you. With a combination of veggies, including zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a great way to switch up your dinner routine and add some more vegetables to your meals.
11of 20
Baked Ziti with Parmesan Italian Sausage (print)
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Garlic, Onion, Italian Sausage, Marinara Sauce
This recipe for baked ziti with parmesan Italian sausage takes a classic dish and adds a delicious twist. The parmesan sausage adds a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce and cheese. Print out the recipe and add it to your collection of go-to dishes.
12of 20
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Peppers
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Bulk Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Red Bell
This cheesy baked ziti with sausage and peppers is a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. With a blend of Italian sausage, bell peppers, and three kinds of cheese, this dish is full of flavor and comfort. It's a great option for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a family gathering.
13of 20
Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ground Italian Sausage, Onion, Bell Pepper, Carrots
This Italian sausage baked ziti is simple, yet full of flavor. With a combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is a delicious and satisfying option for any night of the week. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pasta you may have in your pantry.
14of 20
Stovetop Italian Pork Ziti
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Smithfield Pork Tenderloin, Chopped Garlic
If you're short on time, this stovetop Italian pork ziti is the perfect solution. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and requires just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, with tender pork and flavorful seasonings, it's a meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.
This baked ziti with Italian sausage is a classic dish that never disappoints. With layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it's a comforting and delicious meal that will warm you up from the inside out. It's also a great dish for feeding a crowd, as it can easily be doubled or tripled.
This baked ziti with Italian sausage is a great way to add some spice to your dinner routine. With a blend of Italian sausage, peppers, and onions, it's a flavor-packed dish that will leave your taste buds dancing. It's also a great option for those who love a little heat in their meals.
17of 20
Italian Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Italian Sausage, Minced Garlic, Kale
This Italian sausage and kale baked ziti is a delicious and healthy option for any night of the week. With the addition of kale, it's packed with nutrients and flavor. The Italian sausage adds a delicious and satisfying element to the dish. Plus, it's a great way to get your family to eat their greens without even realizing it.
18of 20
Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Shallot
This three-cheese baked ziti with Italian sausage is a cheese-lover's dream. With a blend of three different types of cheese, it's a creamy and delicious dish that will have you coming back for more. The Italian sausage adds a delicious and flavorful twist to this classic dish.
19of 20
Easy Baked Ziti with Spicy Italian Sausage
Main Ingredients: Hot Italian Sausages, Olive Oil, Jalapeno Pepper, White
This easy baked ziti with spicy Italian sausage is perfect for those who love a little kick in their meals. With spicy sausage and a blend of seasonings, it's a flavorful and satisfying dish that will leave you feeling warm and cozy. It's also a great way to add some variety to your dinner routine.
20of 20
Instant Pot Ziti With Italian Sausage #Recipe
Main Ingredients: Sweet Italian Sausage, Ziti, Crushed Tomatoes, Water
Short on time? This Instant Pot ziti with Italian sausage is the perfect solution. With the help of your trusty pressure cooker, you can have a delicious and hearty meal on the table in no time. It's also a great option for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Pasta
The first and most important ingredient in any ziti recipe is the pasta itself. Authentic Italian ziti is made with ziti pasta, which is a type of tubular pasta that is similar to penne but has a larger diameter. It is important to use ziti pasta for this recipe as it holds the sauce and ingredients better, giving each bite a perfect balance of flavors. Look for high-quality durum wheat ziti pasta at your local grocery store or specialty Italian market for the best results.
Sauce
Another key component of an authentic Italian ziti recipe is the sauce. The most popular and traditional sauce used in this dish is a marinara sauce, which is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. To give your ziti a unique and flavorful twist, you can also use a ragù sauce, which is a meat-based sauce that is slow-cooked for hours to develop a rich and hearty flavor.
Cheese
No Italian dish is complete without cheese, and ziti is no exception. The most commonly used cheese in an authentic Italian ziti recipe is ricotta cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. You can also add mozzarella cheese for a gooey and melty topping, or parmesan cheese for a salty and nutty flavor.
Preparation
Cooking the Pasta
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat up your choice of sauce (marinara or ragù) over medium heat. You can also add some olive oil to the pan for added flavor. Once the sauce is heated through, add the cooked ziti pasta to the pan and mix well, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in the sauce.
Layering and Baking
To give your ziti a classic baked texture, transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Next, add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta, and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving and Enjoying
Once fully cooked, let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. You can top it with some fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine for the ultimate Italian dining experience. Now you can enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home with this authentic Italian ziti recipe. Buon Appetito!