Baked ziti

Baked ziti is a cherished staple in Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its comforting and hearty flavors. This casserole dish features ziti pasta paired with a rich tomato-based sauce inspired by Neapolitan cooking. Essentially, it's a form of pasta al forno, which translates to "baked pasta."

To make baked ziti, you start by boiling the ziti pasta until it is al dente. Meanwhile, you prepare a savory tomato sauce that often includes a blend of cheeses, ground meat, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions. Once the pasta is cooked, you combine it with the sauce. This mixture is often layered with generous amounts of cheese before being baked in the oven.

When it comes out of the oven, you have a hot, bubbling dish that's both comforting and delicious. The combination of tender pasta, robust tomato sauce, and melted cheese makes baked ziti a beloved choice for family dinners and gatherings.