Best 2 Neapolitan Baked Ziti Recipes
Welcome to the world of culinary wonders, where flavors dance and aromas fill the air. Embark on a delightful journey as we explore the beloved dish, "Neapolitan Baked Ziti." This classic Italian-American casserole is a symphony of flavors, combining tender ziti pasta, a rich and tangy tomato sauce, and an irresistible blend of cheeses. It's a dish that brings warmth and comfort, whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply seeking a comforting meal. In this article, we'll guide you through the secrets of crafting the perfect Neapolitan baked ziti, ensuring every bite is bursting with authentic Italian goodness. Our carefully curated collection of recipes offers a variety of options, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. So, prepare to indulge in this timeless masterpiece, as we unveil the essence of Neapolitan baked ziti.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
NEAPOLITAN BAKED ZITI
Here is another great RR recipe. This is also delicious with ground sausage or ground sirloin. I substituted regular shredded mozzerella instead of the fresh mozerella that RR used because I don't care for the flavor of fresh mozzerella.
Provided by Sommer_K
Categories European
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Boil ziti just shy of al dente.
- Place a medium sauce pan on medium-high head and add EVOO.
- Cook onion and garlic 4-5 minutes, then add the tomatoes. Smash the tomatoes with the back of a large spoon, then add basil, salt and pepper and simmer 15 minutes.
- Heat a separate medium sauce pan on medium-high heat then add, butter and alllow to melt.
- Add flour and brown 2-4 minutes, then stir in bay leaf, salt and pepper and cook 5 minutes on low heat. Remove bay leaf.
- Mix red sauce with pasta and transfer to a casserole dish.
- Top with white sauce, and both cheeses.
- Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 604, Fat 24.3, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 59.8, Sodium 390.1, Carbohydrate 72.3, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 6.1, Protein 24.4
NEAPOLITAN BAKED ZITI
Make and share this Neapolitan Baked Ziti recipe from Food.com.
Provided by jaredgentry41
Categories Penne
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven 400°F
- Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to boil to cook the ziti. Once boiling, add some salt and the pasta, and cook just shy of al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- While the water is coming up to a boil, start the red sauce: Place a medium-size saucepot over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring every now and then until the onions start to get tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and smash them up into small pieces with a potato masher or with the back of a spoon. Add the basil and season with some salt and pepper. Bring up to a bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once you have the red sauce working, make the white sauce: Place a medium-size saucepot over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the flour, stir to combine and cook for about a minute. Whisk in the milk, add the bay leaf and season with some salt, pepper and a couple of grates of nutmeg. Bring up to a bubble, turn the heat down to low and gently simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the red sauce in the pot the pasta was cooked in and transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with the white sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and grated Parmigiano over the top, transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Tips:
- To ensure your baked ziti is perfectly cooked, use a high-quality pasta that holds its shape well, such as penne or rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- For a creamy and flavorful sauce, use a combination of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add other cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, for a more complex flavor.
- If you want your baked ziti to be extra cheesy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. You can also add a layer of mozzarella cheese to the top of the casserole for a golden brown crust.
- To prevent the baked ziti from drying out, cover it with aluminum foil during the baking process. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown.
- Serve the baked ziti hot out of the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a salad.
Conclusion:
Neapolitan baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you are serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, baked ziti is sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, give Neapolitan baked ziti a try. You won't be disappointed!
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