Ham and cheese ziti

Ham and cheese ziti

Ham and cheese ziti

Course: Italian, Main Course, Pasta
Servings

4

servings
Total time

50

minutes
Get ready to dive into the comforting embrace of Ham and Cheese Ziti, a dish that marries the goodness of Italian pasta with the savory allure of ham and four types of cheese. While Ziti pasta may not be a common sight on the shelves of your local grocery store, the quest to find it is well worth the effort. A dedicated Italian food store in a bustling city might be your treasure trove for this essential ingredient.

What makes this dish truly unique is the symphony of flavors and textures it brings to your plate. It’s like a culinary masterpiece, where great quality pasta mingles with savory ham and crunchy walnuts. It’s a symphony of tastes that you won’t often encounter in everyday meals, a harmonious blend of the extraordinary.

Now, let’s talk cheese. With four varieties gracing this dish – Provolone, Emmenthal, Mozzarella, and Parmesan – it’s a cheese lover’s dream come true. Each cheese adds its own character to the dish, creating a melty, creamy, and slightly nutty ensemble that’s sheer perfection.
As you savor each bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italian culinary tradition. Ziti pasta, with its hollow, tubular shape, has a history that dates back centuries. It’s like a time machine to the rich culinary heritage of Italy, where pasta has always been a cherished staple.

To crown this masterpiece, a topping of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and walnuts adds a delightful crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. It’s like a sprinkling of culinary stardust that transforms each mouthful into a heavenly experience.

So, if you’re a connoisseur of good food, Ham and Cheese Ziti is a must-try. It’s a comforting, down-to-earth dish that combines the best of Italian pasta, savory ham, and an unforgettable medley of cheeses. Savor it while it’s hot, and let your taste buds revel in the culinary magic of this Italian classic. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) Italian Ziti pasta

  • 300 g (10.7 oz) ham

  • 150 g (5.35 oz) grated Provolone cheese

  • 100 g (3.5 oz) grated Emmenthal

  • 200 g (7 oz) grated Mozzarella

  • 50 g (1.8 oz) grated Parmesan

  • 45 g (1.6 oz) chopped walnuts

  • 26 g (0.9 oz) bread crumbs

  • 30 g (1.07) butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp Provençal herbs

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, for about 8 minutes.
  • While the pasta is cooking, saute the ham in butter until golden brown using a large frying pan.
  • Add pasta and some of its cooking water to the pan.
  • Add spices and all the cheese except Parmesan.
  • Cook the pasta for about a minute, stirring until the cheese melts.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the pasta to the baking dish.
  • Using another bowl, combine Parmesan, bread crumbs, walnuts and olive oil.
  • Distribute this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta in a baking dish.
  • Place the pasta in a preheated oven to bake for about 15-20 minutes at 180 degrees C° (356 F). The pasta should become pleasantly golden-colored on top.
  • Enjoy this traditional Italian pasta dish while it’s still hot!

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