Easy Baked Ziti

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound Ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, combine ziti pasta, tomato sauce mixture, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and basil. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350 per serving (1/8 of the recipe)
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Savory tomato flavor
• Comforting and satisfying

User Comments:

• "This baked ziti is so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser."
• "The combination of ricotta and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful dish."
• "The tomato sauce is perfectly seasoned and complements the pasta and cheeses perfectly."
• "I love the addition of fresh basil, which adds a bright and herbaceous flavor."
• "This is a great dish for a quick meal or a special occasion."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the Parmesan cheese and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• For a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.