Description
A comforting and hearty Baked Ziti recipe that combines ziti pasta with savory Italian sausage, a blend of cheeses, and flavorful seasonings, all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta:
- 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 32 oz marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped basil, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti or penne pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook the sausage: In a sauté pan, cook the Italian sausage until browned, then set aside.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the ricotta mixture with pasta, marinara sauce, and cooked sausage.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Let it rest, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 528 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: Not provided
