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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

A cozy, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish layered with ziti, marinara sauce, Italian sausage, and a trio of cheeses, then baked to golden perfection.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and half the sauce to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
  7. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then layer with half the pasta mixture. Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best texture and melt.
  • Let the dish rest before slicing for cleaner servings.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a twist.
  • Make ahead and freeze unbaked for a quick future meal.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta bake, casserole