Baked Ziti
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
10
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Calories
528 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Ziti
Description
Baked Ziti is a layered pasta casserole featuring cooked penne or ziti tossed with cooked Italian sausage and marinara sauce. A mixture of ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning blends into the pasta, enriching it with creamy and savory elements.
The pasta is assembled in a baking dish and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before baking at 375°F. This melting step produces a golden cheesy crust while heating the casserole through and melding the ingredients together.
This dish serves as a filling main course, great for comforting family meals or gatherings. The inclusion of crushed red pepper flakes adds optional mild heat, and the basil brightens the richness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for three months, making it convenient for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil plus more for drizzling over pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg large
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided
- 3/4 cups Parmesan Cheese divided, shredded
- 2 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- crushed red pepper flakes optional, dash
- salt to taste, Kosher salt
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
- basil if desired, for garnish, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Use a colander to drain well. Drizzle pasta with a little olive oil and stir so it doesn’t stick together. Pour the pasta into a large bowl and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Discard the excess fat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta. Add the marinara sauce, cooked sausage, and stir until combined, stirring gently to not break up the pasta noodles.
- Pour the pasta into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown and the pasta is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months for longer-term storage and convenience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 528 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 528kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Calcium | 388mg | 39% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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