Grocery
Ziti Pasta
What it is
Ziti is a tube-shaped pasta, similar in form to penne but typically longer and without ridges. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water. The pasta is dried and packaged for sale. It holds its shape well when cooked and is a staple in many Italian-American dishes. The name 'ziti' comes from the Italian word 'zita,' meaning bride, as it was traditionally served at weddings.
How people cook with it
This pasta is a versatile ingredient for baked dishes and hearty sauces.
- Baked ziti
- Pasta bakes
- With chunky sauces
- In casseroles
To prepare ziti, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly. It is often used in baked dishes where it is combined with sauce, cheese, and other ingredients before being baked in the oven until bubbly and golden. It can also be served simply with your favorite sauce.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike penne, ziti is usually smooth and lacks the diagonal cut at the ends. Its larger diameter compared to spaghetti makes it ideal for holding thicker sauces and for layering in baked dishes. The absence of ridges means sauces may not adhere as readily as they would to ridged pasta varieties.
Who it is for
Home cooks preparing classic Italian-American comfort food will find this pasta useful.
How to keep the rest
Store any unused ziti in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This will prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors. Properly stored, dried pasta can last for a long time.