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Here’s a Classic Dish perfect for a Sunday home meal for the whole family. I was watching The Sopranos once again this weekend and throughout the series they’re enjoying Baked Ziti. So, of course I had to make it 😂

On The Sopranos, Italian Baked Ziti is often depicted as a classic, comforting, and often over-indulged-in dish. Here’s a description:

• Hearty and Rich: It’s a baked pasta dish typically made with ziti pasta (short, tubular pasta) mixed with a rich tomato sauce.
• Loaded with Cheese: Expect a generous amount of cheese, often a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Sometimes Meaty: Many variations include ground beef or Italian sausage, adding a savory depth to the dish.
• Comfort Food: Baked ziti is a quintessential Italian-American comfort food, perfect for large family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Symbolic of Family: In The Sopranos, baked ziti often appears at family gatherings, representing shared meals, traditions, and the importance of family bonds (even if those bonds are sometimes strained).

Essentially, the baked ziti on The Sopranos is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of Italian-American heritage, family traditions, and the simple pleasures of enjoying a hearty, homemade dish with loved ones (even if those loved ones are involved in the mafia).

So – you know me – I had to make ITALIAN BAKED Classic Italian Baked Ziti

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or sweet, or a mix)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded ( You can use cheddar or marble to use up cheeses in your fridge from the holidays, like I did.
  I also added meatballs, just because who doesn’t need more meat in the dish 😂

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage from skillet and drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, and sauce. Stir in ricotta cheese.
5. Assemble and Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
6. Bake: Bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• Add vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sausage.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with provolone, fontina, or a blend of cheeses.
• For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of sugar to the sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Baked Ziti!

This recipe provides a classic version of the dish, and you can customize it to your own preferences. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal!

Cheers !
Chef Bari