Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Baked Ziti with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes. Loaded with tender ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is elevated by the smoky depth of fire-roasted tomatoes. The homemade tomato sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and a medley of Italian herbs, delivers bold, authentic flavor. Perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this hearty casserole feeds a crowd and is an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch, this baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any pasta lover.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, half of the tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until well mixed.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the remaining tomato sauce on the bottom.
Add the ziti mixture to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of the pasta. Spread it out with a spoon.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Calories |
5190 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 284.3 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.8 g | 599% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 821 mg | 274% | |
| Sodium | 9516 mg | 414% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 449.7 g | 164% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.7 g | 149% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.6 g | ||
| Protein | 245.1 g | 490% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4154 mg | 320% | |
| Iron | 30.5 mg | 169% | |
| Potassium | 4057 mg | 86% | |
*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.