Classic Italian Baked Ziti al Forno
This Classic Italian Baked Ziti al Forno is an enchanting dish that brings the authentic taste of New York City's cherished Italian restaurants right into your kitchen. Layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta are enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and combined with a creamy ricotta filling, creating a comforting, cheesy experience. Topped with melting mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan, this hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests with a taste of Italy. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, reminiscent of bustling trattorias. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, capturing the love and warmth of Italian cooking.
6
Servings
467
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Ricotta cheese
12 ounces (softened)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Marinara sauce
3 cups (divided)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Ensure it's well drained.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4
In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti pasta with 2 cups of marinara sauce until evenly coated.
5
Spread half of the ziti mixture in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Layer the ricotta mixture on top, followed by half of the cubed mozzarella cheese.
6
Top with the remaining ziti pasta, then evenly drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella cubes and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
57g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Baked Ziti al Forno?
It is a hearty Italian-American pasta dish featuring layers of ziti, marinara sauce, a creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella cheese, inspired by New York City trattorias.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I cook the ziti pasta?
Boil the ziti in salted water for about 10-12 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold running water stops the cooking process to ensure it doesn't become overcooked during the baking stage.
What ingredients are in the ricotta filling?
The filling consists of softened ricotta cheese, two beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
How much marinara sauce is required in total?
A total of 3 cups of marinara sauce is used, divided among different layers of the dish.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes for even melting throughout the layers.
What size baking dish is needed for this recipe?
A standard 9 x 13 inch baking dish is recommended for layering the ingredients.
What is the first step in layering the baked ziti?
The first layer consists of spreading half of the sauce-coated ziti mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
When do I add the ricotta mixture?
The ricotta mixture is layered directly on top of the first half of the ziti pasta.
How long do I bake the dish while covered?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil and baked for the first 20 minutes.
How long do I bake the dish after removing the foil?
Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains 467 calories, 17g of fat, 57g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein.
How much parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
A 1/4 cup of grated parmesan is reserved for the final topping, in addition to the 1/2 cup used in the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish as it contains no meat.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional fresh chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Can I substitute ziti with another pasta?
While ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni.
Why are eggs added to the ricotta?
Eggs act as a binder to help the ricotta mixture set and maintain its structure within the layers.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
Is the ziti cooked before being mixed with sauce?
Yes, the pasta is boiled and drained before being tossed with 2 cups of the marinara sauce.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain sugar or sodium information?
The provided nutritional data does not specify the sugar or sodium content.
Can I make this recipe for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as being perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
What does 'al forno' mean?
'Al forno' is Italian for 'from the oven' or 'baked'.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 57 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 17 grams of fat.
Should the pasta be well-drained before mixing?
Yes, ensuring the pasta is well-drained prevents the sauce from becoming too watery during baking.