Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (229)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(229)

Cook Time:
25 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 25 min
Total:: 45 min

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (recommended: San Marzano)
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, (recommended: San Marzano)* If San Marzanos are not available, add a teaspoon sugar to your sauce, optional
Coarse salt
A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 pound ziti rigate, with ridges
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Freshly ground black pepper
A generous grating nutmeg
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 cup sliced fresh mozzarella
Crusty bread, to pass at table

Directions

Put pasta water on to boil.

In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, saute garlic in extra-virgin olive oil. Chop whole tomatoes and add them to the pan. Add crushed tomatoes and salt and simmer 10 minutes, add basil and simmer over low heat 10 minutes more.

Add salt and pasta to boiling water and cook 6 minutes, leaving pasta a little chewy.

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then cook 1 minute, adding salt and pepper and nutmeg to flour. Add milk and bring sauce to a bubble. Reduce 5 minutes.

Drain pasta and transfer to a large casserole dish. Pour the tomato and basil sauce over the pasta and turn to coat the pasta. Pour the bechamel over the already coated pasta. Cover the top of the pasta with Asiago, Parmesan and mozzarella. Place the casserole under hot broiler and melt the 3 cheeses until brown and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately with Spinach and Artichoke Salad and bread.

Spinach and Artichoke Salad:

3/4 pound, 4 to 5 cups, baby spinach, packed

2 (15-ounce) cans artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and sliced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

A handful shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano

Combine spinach and artichokes. Place garlic, lemon zest and juice in small dish and add vinegar. Let it stand 5 minutes then whisk in extra-virgin olive oil. Pour oil and vinegar dressing over salad and toss to combine. Season the salad with salt and pepper, to your taste. Top the salad with cheese then serve.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
Michelle Augusta, ME 11-06-2009
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AWESOME!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is one of our favorite pasta dishes ever. I do bake it in the oven at 350 for a half-hour instead of broiling it because... I like to heat it all the way through, and I add some oregano to the tomato sauce because I love the taste, but the bechamel adds that certain something that just brings it over the top. Do try this, it won't disappoint!Read more
recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
ruth daly city, CA 10-03-2009
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WINNER!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Everyone loves this at my house and whenever my nieces come over, they always request this. Easy to make, I just add extra... ground beef or sausage and double up on the fresh mozzarella to make it rich. YUMMO!Read more
recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
Shea millilani, HI 09-15-2009
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ew
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

it was terrible just like all of rachaels recipes ewww
recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
B yorktown, VA 08-03-2009
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Overrated
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

I thought this was way too creamy. It is much simpler and better tasty to make the ziti the "old fashioned" way. Also, it... doesn't get hot throughout just under the broiler. ICK!Read more
recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
Sara Forest Hills, NY 07-23-2009
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Great Sauce
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

The red sauce is fantastic but I didn't care for the bechamel sauce. I do not think this is easier than regular baked ziti... and it definitely doesn't taste better. Cooking and clean up time took more than an hour. Read more
recipe Scuderi Kids' Fast, Fake-Baked Ziti
Donna Lillian, AL 04-19-2009
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easy and delicious
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

I love this ziti recipe, the white sauce is just like extra chees on top. I have made it several times. The only recipe I... like better is the (You Won't Stay Single Long) vodka tomato sauce with cream. I love that stuff.Read more