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Baked Ziti
4.5 from 852 votes

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti combines al dente pasta with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a ricotta-based cheese mixture topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, delivering a hearty, cheesy pasta dish with Italian seasoning and fresh basil for aromatic flavor.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 528 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour the pasta into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 528

% 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.