From San Giorgio
- Carbohydrate 31.9936368125 g
- Cholesterol 82.87195 mg
- Fat 9.094740375 g
- Fiber 1.33248312387466 g
- Protein 17.7349646875 g
- Saturated Fat 4.974700825 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (195g)
- Sodium 646.822025 mg
- Sugar 30.6611536886253 g
- Trans Fat 0.856067325 g
- Calories 279 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package - 9 minutes.
- Drain.
- In a large bowl, stir together hot pasta, 1 ? cups sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- In 13 x 9 x 2" baking dish, spoon pasta mixture; top with remaining 1 ? cups sauce.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, cover with foil.
- Bake 30 minutes at 375?.
- Make ahead - same as above, do not bake.
- Cover with plastic wrap, then foil.
- Refrigerate 24 hours or freeze 2 months.
- Thaw frozen version in fridge overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap, replace foil.
- Bake as directed - add 10 minutes.
Ingredient measurements list quantities, but they omit how pasta starches behave when combined with dairy and tomato sauce inside a 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Undercooking the ziti by two minutes prevents the tubes from turning mushy as they absorb excess liquid during the 30-minute oven phase at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Stirring the hot drained pasta directly with the ricotta, egg, and seasonings initiates immediate binding, ensuring the structure holds when portioned into ten servings.
Managing Moisture and Texture
Low-fat ricotta releases more water than whole-milk varieties, which can thin the sauce and compromise the integrity of the melted mozzarella topping. Thorough draining of the pasta and precise distribution of the 28 ounces of tomato sauce prevent a watery casserole. Covering the baking dish tightly with foil traps steam during the initial bake, allowing the interior to heat evenly without drying out the surface parmesan crust.
Preparation Flexibility
Assembling the dish ahead requires refrigeration for up to 24 hours or freezing for two months before baking. When adapting the recipe for different dietary needs, substitute the dairy items with plant-based alternatives at a strict one-to-one ratio while maintaining the egg binder to preserve the intended sliceable density.
