Baked Ziti Ziti Al Forno
Dive into the comforting flavors of Italy with this irresistible Baked Ziti (Ziti al Forno) recipe! Perfectly al dente ziti pasta is layered with rich marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, then topped with gooey mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy, bubbly finish. Infused with garlic and fresh basil, this classic dish brings hearty, rustic flavor to every bite. It's easy to prepare, taking just 20 minutes to prep before baking to golden perfection. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this baked pasta casserole is a crowd-pleasing hit that serves up to six. Whether you're craving cozy comfort food or looking for an impressive dish to serve, this Ziti al Forno delivers on both taste and tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 4 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, cooked sausage, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. If desired, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix well.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat with another layer of pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
Top the ziti with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4726 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 246.4 g | 316% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.9 g | 500% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 908 mg | 303% | |
| Sodium | 9384 mg | 408% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 408.3 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.0 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.3 g | ||
| Protein | 233.7 g | 467% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 3595 mg | 277% | |
| Iron | 29.1 mg | 162% | |
| Potassium | 1958 mg | 42% | |
*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.
