Cheaty Ziti
Get dinner on the table in no time with "Cheaty Ziti," the ultimate shortcut to classic baked pasta deliciousness. This easy weeknight casserole layers ziti pasta with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistibly cheesy finish. Using store-bought marinara and optional pre-cooked Italian sausage saves you tons of time without sacrificing flavor. Seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of garlic, this dish bakes to bubbling perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy families or casual gatherings, Cheaty Ziti delivers the comfort of a homemade meal with minimal effort. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil for a fragrant garnish, and serve this crowd-pleasing favorite straight from the oven. Perfect for leftovers, too!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 24 ounces store-bought marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (around 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
If using Italian sausage, stir it into the marinara sauce.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour and spread half of the marinara sauce over the ricotta layer.
Repeat with the remaining ingredients: add the rest of the ziti, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, and finish with the rest of the marinara sauce.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for a browned and cheesy crust.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 76 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1146 mg | 50% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 467 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 429 mg | 9% | |
*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.
