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Baked Ziti
5 from 12 votes

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti brings together Italian sausage, two types of tomatoes, and a trio of cheeses in a layered pasta bake. The ziti is cooked just shy of al dente, then combined with a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, basil, and parsley. A mixture of ricotta, egg, and parsley adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan create a melty, golden topping after baking. This hearty dish combines tender pasta with savory meat sauce and rich cheese, making it suitable for family dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 3/4 cup onion 1 medium onion, yellow, chopped
  • 1 lb Italian sausage such as Johnsonville, mild or hot
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes petite
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/3 cup basil plus more for topping, fresh, chopped, slightly packed
  • 4 Tbsp parsley divided, chopped, fresh
  • salt freshly ground
  • black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg large
  • 3 1/2 cups (14 oz) mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
  • 3/4 cup (1.7 oz) Parmesan Cheese divided, finely shredded
  • 16 oz ziti dry

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven and boil water: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil (for pasta). 
  2. For the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large saute pan (deep skillet), add onions and saute 2 minutes then add sausage and cook, stirring and breaking up sausage occasionally, until cooked through, adding in garlic during last 1 minute, drain excess fat. 
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, 2 Tbsp parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a light boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and allow to simmer 10 minutes then remove from heat. 
  4. Too cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions about a minute shy of al dente. Drain pasta while reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water. 
  5. Return pasta to empty pot, immediately add reserved pasta water and 1 cup of the red sauce then toss pasta to coat.
  6. For the cheeses: In a mixing bowl using a fork stir together ricotta, egg, 2 Tbsp parsley and season with salt and pepper. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the parmesan.
  7. To assemble the ziti: Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the red sauce evenly into bottom of dish, then spread 1/2 of the pasta over sauce then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta mixture all over pasta and flatten slightly.
  8. Top with remaining pasta. Spoon remaining sauce evenly over pasta layer. Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 2 cups of the mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan.
  9. To cook the baked ziti: Tent baking dish with foil (don't let it touch the cheese or it will stick) and bake 15 minutes then uncover and bake 10 - 15 minutes longer until cheese is melted throughout. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a browned cheese topping, broil the bake during the last few minutes, avoiding glass bakeware to prevent cracking.
  • Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier flavor.