Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti

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Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen trying to make a delicious meal for your family?

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Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

  2. In a medium saucepan, heat some extra-virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic.

  3. Chop the whole tomatoes and add them to the pan along with the crushed tomatoes and salt.

  4. Simmer this mixture for 10 minutes, then add basil and simmer for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.

  5. While the sauce simmers, add salt to the boiling water and cook the pasta for about 6 minutes, leaving it slightly chewy.

  6. In a small pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, adding salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

  7. Gradually add milk to the pot and bring the sauce to a bubble. Reduce the sauce for 5 minutes.

  8. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large casserole dish that is safe for the broiler.

  9. Pour the tomato and basil sauce over the pasta, making sure to coat it evenly.

  10. Pour the bechamel sauce over the pasta that is already coated with the tomato sauce.

  11. Sprinkle Asiago, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta in the casserole dish.

  12. Place the casserole dish under the broiler until the cheese is brown and bubbly, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

  13. Serve the pasta immediately with

About this recipe

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen trying to make a delicious meal for your family? Look no further because Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti is here to save the day! This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also tastes like it's been baked in the oven for hours. Your kids will be begging for seconds, and you'll be amazed at how little effort it takes to make this mouthwatering dish.

The Secret Ingredient

What's the secret behind Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti? It's all about the cheese! We use a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats every noodle. The result is a ziti dish that is ooey-gooey and bursting with flavor. It's like a warm hug in a bowl!

The Pasta Hack

Let's face it, boiling pasta can be a hassle. But with Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti, we have a pasta hack that will save you time and effort. Instead of boiling the pasta separately, we cook it directly in the sauce. This not only cuts down on dishes but also allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. It's a win-win situation!

One-Pot Wonder

Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti is a one-pot wonder. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add ground beef or sausage, and let it cook until browned. Then, stir in your favorite pasta sauce, a touch of cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add the uncooked ziti, cover the pot, and let it cook until the pasta is tender. Top it off with a generous amount of cheese and let it melt into a cheesy heaven. In less than 30 minutes, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it's been baking in the oven all day.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! While ziti is the traditional choice for this recipe, feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work just as well.

. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef or sausage and use vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to add flavor and texture to the dish.

. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the ziti in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can! Allow the ziti to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven until heated through.

. Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Cheddar, fontina, or even goat cheese would all work well in this recipe.

. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or even peas to amp up the nutritional value of this dish. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef or sausage.

. Can I make this recipe spicy?

If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount according to your personal preference.

. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken would work well in this recipe. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or beef and simply stir it into the sauce.

In conclusion, Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti is the perfect solution for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a quick, easy, and budget-friendly recipe that will please even the pickiest eaters. So why wait? Try it tonight and see for yourself why this ziti dish is a family favorite!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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