What To Know
- Baked ziti is a pasta dish that is made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients.
- Baked ziti is a popular dish for parties and gatherings because it is easy to make and can be served to a large group of people.
- If you are looking for a substitute for ziti pasta, penne is a great option.
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically made with ziti pasta. However, many home cooks wonder if they can use penne pasta instead of ziti. The answer is yes, you can use penne for baked ziti. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this substitution.
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a pasta dish that is made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. It is typically baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Baked ziti is a popular dish for parties and gatherings because it is easy to make and can be served to a large group of people.
What is the Difference Between Penne and Ziti?
Penne and ziti are both types of pasta that are made from durum wheat. However, there are a few key differences between the two types of pasta.
- Shape: Penne pasta is shaped like a short tube with a slanted end. Ziti pasta is shaped like a long, hollow tube.
- Size: Penne pasta is typically smaller than ziti pasta.
- Texture: Penne pasta has a smooth texture, while ziti pasta has a slightly rough texture.
Can You Use Penne for Baked Ziti?
Yes, you can use penne for baked ziti. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this substitution.
- Cooking time: Penne pasta cooks more quickly than ziti pasta. Therefore, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Texture: Penne pasta has a smoother texture than ziti pasta. This means that it will not absorb as much sauce as ziti pasta. To compensate for this, you may want to add more sauce to your baked ziti.
- Flavor: Penne pasta has a more delicate flavor than ziti pasta. This means that it will not overpower the other flavors in your baked ziti.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Penne
To make baked ziti with penne, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 jar (28 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook penne pasta according to package directions.
3. Drain pasta and return to pot.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making Baked Ziti with Penne
- For a richer flavor, use a homemade tomato sauce.
- Add other ingredients to your baked ziti, such as ground beef, sausage, or vegetables.
- Top your baked ziti with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
Baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are looking for a substitute for ziti pasta, penne is a great option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and add more sauce to compensate for the smoother texture of penne pasta.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use other types of pasta for baked ziti?
A: Yes, you can use other types of pasta for baked ziti. However, penne and ziti are the most common types of pasta used for this dish.
Q: How do I make a vegetarian baked ziti?
A: To make a vegetarian baked ziti, simply omit the ground beef or sausage from the recipe. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked ziti. To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the baked ziti in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.
