Creamy Baked Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Ziti, a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender ziti pasta layered with a luscious ricotta mixture, savory ground Italian sausage, and a hearty marinara sauce, this recipe is crowned with gooey, golden mozzarella cheese for the perfect finish. The combination of creamy and savory flavors is enhanced with aromatic garlic and a touch of Parmesan, creating an irresistible pasta bake that’s ready in just one hour. Simple to make and brimming with Italian-inspired flavors, this baked ziti is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Serve it hot, fresh from the oven, with a garnish of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread for a truly unforgettable meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 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 ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, then evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Pour half of the remaining sauce over the ricotta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
773 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.3 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 163 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 1718 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 45.6 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 735 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 363 mg | 8% | |
*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.
