Italian Baked Ziti Authentic
Dive into the comforting flavors of **Italian Baked Ziti Authentic**, a hearty and delicious classic that brings the taste of Italy straight to your table. This recipe features perfectly al dente ziti pasta layered with rich, homemade sausage marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a trio of cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta—for the ultimate cheesy goodness. Enhanced with fragrant basil, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes for added depth, every bite is packed with bold, authentic flavors. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comfort food at its finest. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a visually stunning and mouthwatering meal that serves up to six. Experience the timeless appeal of this baked pasta masterpiece today!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams ziti pasta
- 450 grams Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 450 grams ricotta cheese
- 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 300 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta, followed by half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers: pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5570 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 297.7 g | 382% | |
| Saturated Fat | 133.3 g | 667% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 949 mg | 316% | |
| Sodium | 10097 mg | 439% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 444.9 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.3 g | 140% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.1 g | ||
| Protein | 314.8 g | 630% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 5468 mg | 421% | |
| Iron | 31.4 mg | 174% | |
| Potassium | 4217 mg | 90% | |
*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.
