Ziti al Forno

Ziti al Forno is a comforting Italian baked pasta dish featuring gluten-free ziti tossed in a rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. It's the perfect meal for a cozy dinner, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Gluten-free ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400 grams
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ricotta cheese - 150 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Fresh basil - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the gluten-free ziti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the ziti mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of protein from the cheese and pasta.
• Contains essential vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil.

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