Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite! This Ziti and Zitoni Pasta recipe is not just a meal; it's a heartwarming experience that brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With gooey mozzarella, savory marinara, and a sprinkle of fresh basil, every bite is a celebration of comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to impress. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g ziti or zitoni pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 400g of ziti or zitoni pasta, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water to season it.
- Once the water is boiling, add the ziti or zitoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Once the oil is hot, pour in the 2 cups of marinara sauce. Stir gently and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce to ensure it is evenly coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta and sauce mixture. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and well incorporated.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some chopped fresh basil at this stage for extra flavor.
- Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Garnish with additional mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious ziti or zitoni pasta!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While ziti and zitoni are both excellent choices, consider using a combination for added texture and visual appeal.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Adding salt to the boiling water is crucial for enhancing the pasta's flavor. It should taste like the sea!
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help you adjust the sauce's consistency perfectly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the marinara sauce to simmer for a few minutes to deepen its flavors before mixing it with the pasta.
- Cheese, Please!: For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to add more mozzarella or experiment with other cheeses like fontina or provolone.
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Consider adding oregano or thyme along with basil for a more complex flavor profile.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you need to make it ahead of time, reheat gently and add a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on the garnishes! A sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh basil can make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
