Classic Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
Classic Baked Ziti
Description
This Classic Baked Ziti recipe starts by boiling ziti pasta to al dente and preparing a hearty sauce by browning Italian sweet sausage with onion and garlic. The tomato base includes marinara, petite diced tomatoes, water, dried basil, oregano, bay leaves, and seasonings simmered together to meld flavors. The cooked pasta is combined with the sauce and fresh mozzarella cubes to partially melt before transferring to a baking dish.
Shredded mozzarella covers the assembled pasta and sauce, and the casserole is baked covered until hot and bubbling, then optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley. The dish offers a comforting mix of tender pasta, savory sausage, and layers of melted cheese with a fragrant tomato-herb sauce. The use of bay leaves adds subtle aroma, while the two textures of mozzarella provide creamy chunks and a melted topping.
Baked Ziti can be served as a main course for family dinners or gatherings. It pairs well with simple salads or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1.25 lbs Italian sausage sweet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 25 oz marinara sauce I used Rao's
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes petite
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 bay leaf
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese drained and cut into cubes, fresh
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, part skim
- parsley fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously and cook ziti according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a deep skillet with high sides, over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain grease if desired.
- To the cooked sausage, add olive oil, onion, and garlic and saute until mostly tender, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove bay leaves.
- Add cooked ziti to sauce and stir to coat. Add in fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to melt slightly.
- Pour into baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with lightly greased foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 665 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 665kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 87mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 1370mg | 57% |
| Potassium | 817mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 785IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 356mg | 36% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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