Four Cheese Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
624 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Four Cheese Baked Ziti
Description
Four Cheese Baked Ziti starts with pasta cooked just until al dente, ensuring it doesn’t overcook during baking. Italian sausage browned with garlic and Italian herbs adds a savory meatiness that complements the ziti noodles. A mix of ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses is spread on top, contributing creamy richness and a melty, slightly browned golden crust. Baking covered and then uncovered helps develop texture contrast between the creamy interior and the browned cheese topping.
The resulting casserole has tender pasta coated in a flavorful tomato sauce with meaty accents and a luscious, cheesy topping. It suits family dinners and reheats well, making it practical for meal prep or leftovers. Serving alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables balances the richness.
To prevent overcooked pasta, it’s important to boil ziti until just al dente before mixing with sauce and cheese. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days and freeze up to three months; thaw thoroughly before reheating. For easier storage and portion control, consider baking in two smaller dishes instead of one large one.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 1 marinara sauce 26-ounce jar
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water. Boil pasta 7-8 minutes til just tender. Drain and set pasta aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage - breaking into small pieces as it cooks - for 4-5 minutes. Stir in ziti noodles, garlic, marinara, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread ziti mixture into an even layer in the bottom of your prepared pan.
- In a bowl stir together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Drop dollops of the cheese mixture on top of the ziti until covered.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top, tent with foil, and transfer to preheated oven.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes til cheese is bubbly. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until cheese begins to brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta until just al dente before mixing; it will continue cooking during baking.
- Avoid meat-based marinara sauces since Italian sausage is used, to prevent competing flavors.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months; thaw frozen portions fully before reheating.
- For easier reheating and storage, divide the recipe into two smaller baking dishes instead of one large pan.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 624 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 624kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 803mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 360mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 667IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 377mg | 38% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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