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This Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe Has a Secret Ingredient That Makes It Extra Savory by Ann Marie Patitucci

Pasta Casseroles Dinner Vegetarian Italian Recipes Budget-friendly

3 months ago

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This Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe Has a Secret Ingredient That Makes It Extra Savory

There may be nothing more comforting than a steaming plateful of baked ziti. Yes, baked ziti is truly comfort food at its finest. Although this is not my Italian family’s baked ziti recipe, it is one of my favorite ziti recipes because it has a couple of unexpected ingredients.

First of all, my hubby loves provolone cheese, so I came across a ziti casserole recipe with provolone and thought I’d give it a try. It was good, though a bit blander than we’re used to, so I modified it and am now happy to share this special baked ziti recipe with you!

Using provolone instead of mozzarella makes this baked pasta recipe different. But, there's a secret ingredient in this Italian recipe that makes it extra savory: red wine! Yes, red wine makes this ziti recipe more flavorful than the typical ziti bake and I like that!

Finally, I personally prefer baked ziti without meat, so if you’re looking for such a recipe – perfect for Meatless Mondays – here you go. Serve this extra-flavorful casserole on its own, with a salad or your favorite vegetable side dish. This is one easy dinner recipe your family will ask for again. Bon appetit!

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Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 9

Ingredients

16 ounces uncooked ziti
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 tablespoons minced garlic (or to taste)
56 ounces (2 cans) Italian crushed tomatoes (I prefer Contadina brand)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (add more, if desired)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 slices provolone cheese

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Recipe Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes if you'd like some heat.
If you don't want to use red wine in this recipe, you can substitute regular or reduced-sodium chicken broth.
You can use more or less garlic and Italian seasoning, depending on how much of each flavor you like.

Garnish with fresh basil, parsley or other herb, if desired.

Make ahead if you are meal planning and refrigerate for up to four days.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave.

Here’s how to make it:

In a 6-quart saucepot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until tender (about 3 to 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
Stir in tomatoes, water, wine or broth, sugar, basil and Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper, to taste, if needed. Add red pepper flakes, if desired. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in uncooked ziti.
Transfer to a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven, covered, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until ziti is tender and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 380

Total Fat: 8.5g

Saturated Fat: 4.5g

Cholesterol: 17mg

Total Carbohydrate: 62.5g

Dietary Fiber: 14.3g

Total Sugars: 29.8g

Protein: 19.5g

Vitamin D: 0mcg

Calcium: 235mg

Iron: 8mg

Potassium: 89mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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