Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Remove from the oven and let it rest
5 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
561 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Ziti
Description
Baked Ziti features Italian ground sausage cooked with garlic and crushed tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, sugar, and pepper flakes to create a flavorful sauce. The ziti pasta is cooked al dente and combined thoroughly with the sauce to ensure every piece is coated before layering. The casserole is built in layers with dollops of ricotta cheese interspersed, topped off with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Baking at a high temperature melts the cheese topping and slightly browns it for a pleasant texture contrast.
This dish can be served as a filling main course and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce. The sausage adds richness and depth, balancing against the creamy cheeses and bright tomato flavors.
Using a large pan to mix pasta and sauce ensures even coverage, which is key for flavor consistency. Leftovers keep well stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian ground sausage
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cans crushed tomatoes 15 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- basil Chopped (for topping, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the ziti to al dente based on the package instruction.
- In a large deep skillet, brown the sausage over medium high heat. Break it up as it browns and drain off any excess grease.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta making sure that it’s completely covered in the sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
- Evenly dollop the ricotta cheese on top of the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top of the pasta is slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh basil on and top and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a large enough pan to mix pasta and sauce to coat the pasta evenly before layering.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 561 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 561kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1144mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 764mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 578IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 257mg | 26% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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