Picture this: a warm, comforting dish, layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant tomato sauce infused with fragrant basil and garlic. Now, imagine that same dish, elevated with the fresh, milky sweetness of mozzarella and the juicy tang of ripe tomatoes, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. That, my friends, is Caprese Baked Ziti – a celebration of Italian flavors that's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
I remember the first time I made this dish. My friend, Sarah, had just gone through a rough breakup, and I wanted to cook something that would be both comforting and a little bit special. I had a bunch of fresh basil and tomatoes from my garden, and the idea of combining those with pasta and cheese just popped into my head. Let's just say, Sarah ate her feelings that night (in the best way possible!), and the Caprese Baked Ziti became a regular in my rotation. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It's all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and letting their natural flavors shine. So, if you're looking for a dish that's both impressive and easy to make, look no further. This Caprese Baked Ziti is the answer. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked.
Required Equipments
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
Caprese Baked Ziti: A Cheesy Italian Delight: Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Baked Ziti: A Cheesy Italian Delight
Caprese Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring layers of ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and a vibrant tomato-basil sauce. It's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Don't skip this step; nobody wants stuck-on ziti!
- Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook it; slightly underdone is better since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside. Adding a drizzle of olive oil can prevent sticking while it sits.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the tomato sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This creates a creamy, cheesy layer that's just divine.
- Now for the fun part – assembling the ziti! In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked ziti to the dish, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Dot the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Arrange half of the fresh mozzarella slices over the ricotta cheese, followed by half of the tomato slices. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
- Pour half of the remaining tomato sauce over the mozzarella and tomato slices. Repeat layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and tomato sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to heat the ziti through without burning the top.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy every bite!
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 300mg
