Church suppers are often filled with comfort foods that are easy to make and serve to a large group. Here’s a classic recipe that could be perfect for a church supper: Baked Ziti. It’s a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made in large quantities.
Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne pasta)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well).
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
This recipe is simple to make in large batches, perfect for a church supper. It can easily be doubled if you’re serving a larger group. Enjoy!
