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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti


  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Description

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings families and friends together around the dinner table. This hearty dish features layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a delicious blend of cheeses that create a bubbly, golden topping. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, Baked Ziti is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit various tastes. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your favorite veggies and cheeses, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its make-ahead option makes it perfect for meal planning, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • Marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente in salted boiling water; drain and toss with olive oil.
  3. In a sauté pan, cook Italian sausage until browned; set aside.
  4. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  5. Combine pasta with ricotta mixture and marinara sauce; fold in cooked sausage.
  6. Pour into the baking dish; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown; let rest before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Customize by adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. Make ahead of time by assembling it the day before and refrigerating.