Maggiano’s little italy taylor street baked ziti recipe
Today, I’m sharing something close to my heart – Maggiano’s Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti recipe. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic minced (or 1/4 cup pre-minced garlic)
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 – 14.5 oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 1-1/2 – 2 cups roasted red pepper puree 2 large roasted red peppers blended with 2 tbsp water
- 2 – 6 oz cans tomato concentrate
- 4 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp dried basil leaves
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1 cup reduced-fat half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Baked Ziti
- 2 boxes rigatoni pasta
- 9 + cups Pomodoro Sauce
- 1.2 lb mild Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 package sliced provolone cheese 12 slices
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pomodoro Sauce
- First, let’s make the sauce. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Peppers
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, roasted red pepper puree, and tomato concentrate. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
- Add sugar, dried basil, Italian herbs, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix until well-combined. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Add the half-and-half and red pepper flakes. Stir, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Brown the Sausage
- In a separate pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 7: Assemble the Ziti
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, and about 7 cups of the Pomodoro sauce. Mix thoroughly.
Step 8: Layer the Dish
- Spread a layer of the prepared mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 slices of provolone cheese on top. Repeat another layer of pasta mix and the remaining provolone slices.
Step 9: Add Parmesan and Bake
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use Quality Cheese: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality provolone.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente is key as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to spice it up with more red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
- Oil the Baking Dish: Lightly oil the dish to prevent sticking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!