5 from 90 votes
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a hearty pasta casserole that layers tender ziti pasta with a savory sauce made from Italian sausage, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream. The dish is finished with creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a rich, cheesy top crust. Seasonings like Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add depth and mild heat, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil provides a fresh note when served.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings:
8
Calories:
738 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta or penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 pound Italian sausage see note
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, crushed
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar see note
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- parsley optional, for serving, chopped
- basil optional, for serving, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than package directions indicate. Drain and set aside once it's done.
- Meanwhile, add the sausage meat and onion to another pot and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for about a minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cream, salt & pepper, and sugar. Let it heat through (about 5 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, add it to the pot with the sauce, and toss.
- Add half the pasta mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish (spread it out evenly to create your bottom layer).
- Spoon the ricotta over the pasta for the cheesy middle layer (you don't need to be too neat... I just put dollops here and there).
- Spoon the remaining pasta into the casserole dish to create an even top layer (I don't stir it).
- Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella over top.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes (or until hot & bubbly), and then broil (watch it closely) to brown the cheese.
- Serve with some fresh basil and/or parsley if desired.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Ground sausage or casing-removed meat up to 1.5 pounds works for the sausage component.
- Adding sugar helps reduce tomato acidity, but you may omit it if desired.
- Do not replace heavy cream with tomato liquids as this may cause curdling.
- Omitting ricotta will change the dish but it remains enjoyable.
- Refer to the recipe source for step-by-step photos and make-ahead suggestions.
Nutrition Information
Calories
738kcal
(37%)
Carbohydrates
55g
(18%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
43g
(66%)
Saturated Fat
22g
(110%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
(24%)
Monounsaturated Fat
15g
(75%)
Cholesterol
131mg
(44%)
Sodium
1098mg
(46%)
Potassium
679mg
(14%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1095IU
(22%)
Vitamin C
12mg
(13%)
Calcium
422mg
(42%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 738
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 738kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 131mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 1098mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 679mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1095IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 422mg | 42% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.