🍝 America’s Test Kitchen Skillet Baked Ziti 🍝
What is it?
Skillet Baked Ziti is a delightful Italian-American pasta dish that combines ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and flavorful herbs. It’s a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
History:
While the exact origin of Baked Ziti is a bit hazy, it’s widely recognized as an Italian-American creation. It likely evolved from traditional Italian pasta dishes, with the “baked” aspect being a nod to American cuisine’s love for cheesy, oven-baked dishes.
Components:
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Ziti Pasta: Ziti is a type of pasta, similar to penne but longer and wider. It’s tubular and works well in baked dishes as it can hold the sauce and cheese.
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Tomato Sauce: A hearty tomato sauce is key to this dish. It typically includes tomatoes, garlic, onions, and various seasonings.
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Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is used for its meltability and cheesy goodness.
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Herbs and Seasonings: Common herbs and seasonings include basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Steps to Prepare Skillet Baked Ziti:
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Boil the Ziti: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté until they’re translucent and fragrant.
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Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in your homemade or store-bought tomato sauce. Season it with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
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Layer with Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven (around 375°F or 190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Time Needed:
- Preparing and boiling pasta: 10-15 minutes
- Preparing the sauce: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 45-55 minutes
This Skillet Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with the ease of a one-pan dish. Enjoy! 🍽️🇮🇹🧀
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Skillet Baked Ziti:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a Serving):
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Calories: About 400-500 calories per serving.
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Protein: Provides a moderate amount of protein, typically around 15-20 grams per serving, primarily from the cheese and pasta.
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Carbohydrates: Contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, around 40-50 grams per serving, mostly from the pasta and the tomato sauce.
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Dietary Fiber: Offers some dietary fiber, usually 3-5 grams per serving due to the pasta and tomato sauce.
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Fat: Contains moderate fat content, approximately 15-20 grams per serving, mainly from the cheese and any added olive oil.
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Sodium: May be relatively high in sodium, with approximately 800-1000 milligrams per serving, depending on the salt content of the sauce and cheese.
Health Information:
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Moderate Protein: The dish provides a reasonable amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: It’s a carbohydrate-rich dish, which can provide energy. However, if you’re watching your carb intake, consider portion control.
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Dietary Fiber: While it contains some fiber, it’s not an exceptionally high-fiber dish. Consider adding vegetables or a side salad to increase fiber intake.
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Fat: The fat content comes primarily from cheese and possibly added olive oil. Opt for lower-fat cheese or use it in moderation if you’re concerned about fat intake.
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Sodium: Keep in mind the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need to monitor your sodium intake. You can use low-sodium tomato sauce to reduce sodium levels.
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Balance: As with many pasta dishes, Skillet Baked Ziti can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Consider serving it with a side of vegetables or a salad to increase nutrient variety.
Remember that specific nutritional values can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. It’s a delicious comfort food, but it’s wise to enjoy it in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.
