Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
751 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
Baked Ziti
Description
Baked Ziti is a pasta casserole featuring ground Italian sausage cooked with onions, garlic, marinara, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red pepper flakes to build a flavorful, thick sauce. The ziti pasta is cooked just shy of tender before being combined with the sauce and ricotta cheese to maintain a soft yet firm bite after baking. Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan create a layered cheese topping that melts and browns in the oven, enhancing the dish's texture and taste.
The meal offers a satisfying mix of savory meat, rich tomato, and creamy cheeses. Its bubbly cheese crust pairs well with simple sides like a green salad or garlic bread. The sauce’s depth of flavor improves with a slow simmer, allowing spices and aromatics to meld thoroughly.
When assembling, layering Parmesan on the bottom helps achieve the desired browning effect since it cooks faster than shredded mozzarella. Using a rimmed baking sheet under the casserole prevents melted cheese overflow from making a mess in the oven. Letting the baked ziti cool briefly after baking helps the cheese and sauce set, making it easier to portion. Vegetables like sautéed spinach, grated carrots, or mushrooms can be added after cooking to enhance flavor and nutrition without making the dish watery.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 ounce can whole tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ to ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound ziti dry
- salt
- black pepper ground
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese about 16 ounces, divided, shredded
- ⅔ cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until just starting to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sausage and garlic. Cook, breaking up the sausage with the back of a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in marinara, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmer, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes, or until thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- While sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 350F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt per quart of water. Add the pasta and cook until almost tender. (You want it al dente as it will continue cooking when baking.) Drain and rinse with cold water. Return to the same pot.
- To the pasta, add 2 cups tomato sauce. Stir until well coated.
- Spoon some of the tomato sauce into a 13x9-inch or 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, just enough to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the pasta on top.
- Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the parmesan, dot half of the ricotta, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the pasta. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and the top is browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any overflow of melted cheese while baking.
- Cook the ziti to al dente to prevent dryness as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Layer Parmesan cheese on the bottom as it browns faster than shredded mozzarella.
- Shred block cheese yourself for better value and texture using a grater or food processor attachment.
- Allow the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving to let it set properly and cut cleanly.
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, grated carrots, or mushrooms to add flavor and nutrition; sauté first to avoid excess moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 751 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 751kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1524mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 1004mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1935IU | 39% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 503mg | 50% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
