Baked Ziti Recipe

This easy baked ziti has layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, rich ricotta, and melted cheese. This comforting and delicious Italian-American classic is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American, Italian

Courses: Dinner, Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 8

Calories: 598 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This easy baked ziti has layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, rich ricotta, and melted cheese. This comforting and delicious Italian-American classic is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

1 pound Italian Sausage
1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced)
28 ounces Pasta Sauce (or Marinara Sauce)
14.5 ounces Canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
2 tsp Italian Seasonings
1/2 cup Water
16 ounces Ziti
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
1 large Egg
2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Thinly Sliced Fresh basil leaves (or Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (ca. 191 °C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and onion, breaking it up with a spoon until the sausage is fairly fine. Drain any fat.
3
Add the pasta sauce, tomatoes, water, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Meanwhile, boil ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well.
5
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, 1 cup (0.24 l) mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
6
Add 1 cup (0.24 l) of sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ziti, top with all of the ricotta mixture, and half of the sauce.
7
Add the remaining ziti and sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 598kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g42%
Saturated Fat 11g56%
Cholesterol 97mg33%
Sodium 1257mg53%
Potassium 816mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 8g
Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 1005 IU
Vitamin C 15 mg
Calcium 485 mg
Iron 3.6 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If replacing the sausage with ground beef or turkey, add 2 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meat as it cooks. ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for a little kick if you’d like.
To Prepare Ahead of Time: Prepare as directed, storing the 1 cup of cheese for the topping in a separate container. Refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 48 hours or freeze for up to 4 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight. Remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Bake for 25 minutes, add the cheese, and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Read it online: https://therecipenook.com/recipe/baked-ziti-recipe/