Zitoni Pasta Recipe

It seems like there might be a typo in your request. Did you mean “ziti pasta recipe”? If so, here’s a simple and delicious recipe for baked ziti, a popular Italian-American dish:

Baked Ziti Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425g) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (500g) ricotta cheese
•  2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

• If using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the ricotta cheese.
• In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti and ricotta mixture. Top with half of the meat sauce and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.
• Optionally, you can add extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a cheesy crust.

5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

6. Serve:
Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Frequently Asked Question for Zitoni Pasta

Q: Where can I find zitoni pasta?

Zitoni pasta can typically be found in well-stocked supermarkets or specialty Italian grocery stores. If you can’t find zitoni, you can substitute with other large tubular pasta like ziti or rigatoni.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute zitoni with other large tubular pasta such as ziti, rigatoni, or penne. The cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check the package instructions for the specific pasta you are using.

Q: Can I make the recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef or sausage from the recipe to make it vegetarian. You may want to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and texture.

Q: Can I prepare the baked zitoni ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked zitoni ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and then bake according to the recipe instructions. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy days or entertaining.

Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!