Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
653 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage
Description
This baked ziti recipe uses cooked ziti pasta mixed with cooked, sliced Italian sausage and marinara sauce before layering with ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese. As it bakes in a greased 9x13 pan at 400 degrees, the cheese melts and sauce bubbles, creating a cohesive casserole with creamy and savory layers. Topping the casserole with fresh chopped basil and parsley introduces herbal freshness that brightens the dish.
The sausage provides a savory, spiced meatiness while the ricotta contributes a creamy texture contrasted by the stretchy mozzarella. The ziti pasta holds its shape, delivering a chewy bite throughout. The baking melds the ingredients and forms a gently browned, cheesy crust on top.
Serve warm as a main dish, perhaps alongside a simple salad or garlic bread. The recipe suggests variations such as adding parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness or incorporating baby spinach for a vegetable boost, which are easily accommodated.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained
- 4 links Italian sausage sliced ½-inch thick, cooked, about 1 pound
- 1 marinara sauce 32-ounce jar
- 1 ricotta cheese whole milk, 15-ounce container
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup basil chopped, fresh leaves
- ¼ cup parsley chopped, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cooked ziti, sausage, and all but 1 cup of marinara sauce. Spread half of the ziti mixture in the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Spoon half of the ricotta and mozzarella evenly over the top. Top with the rest of the ziti mixture, then remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and reserved marinara sauce.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted. Sprinkle the basil and parsley over the ziti and serve warm.
Notes
- Adding ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese with the mozzarella enriches the cheesy flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage to add heat, or mild sausage if preferred.
- Incorporate 1 cup of packed baby spinach along with the cheese to increase vegetable content and nutrition.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 653 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 653kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 788mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 387mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 257IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 221mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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