Baked Ziti About Com
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Baked Ziti recipe! Perfectly cooked ziti pasta is layered with a rich, savory marinara sauce infused with flavorful Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a blend of gooey mozzarella and tangy Parmesan cheese. This baked pasta dish is elevated with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a touch of Italian seasoning for a deliciously authentic taste. Topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty garlic bread for a truly satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this baked ziti is a comforting classic that never fails to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley (if using). Mix until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture (about 1/2 cup) across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce in the baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3342 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 252.2 g | 323% | |
| Saturated Fat | 111.4 g | 557% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 979 mg | 326% | |
| Sodium | 9334 mg | 406% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.6 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 202.8 g | 406% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 4081 mg | 314% | |
| Iron | 9.5 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2022 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
