My Spicy Baked Ziti
Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinner routine with *My Spicy Baked Ziti*, a bold and flavorful twist on classic comfort food! Featuring tender ziti pasta coated in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with a fiery kick of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne, this baked dish is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy delight. Sweet Italian sausage adds heartiness and depth, while fragrant garlic, onions, and a medley of Italian herbs round out the flavorful profile. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is easy to prepare in just one hour, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it alongside crispy garlic bread or a fresh green salad, and watch it disappear in no time. With its spicy twist on a timeless favorite, this baked ziti recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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 according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Spread half of the ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your spicy baked ziti with a side of garlic bread or a green salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4600 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.2 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.2 g | 466% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 669 mg | 223% | |
| Sodium | 8241 mg | 358% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 427.1 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.1 g | 140% | |
| Total Sugars | 58.5 g | ||
| Protein | 219.4 g | 439% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3478 mg | 268% | |
| Iron | 32.4 mg | 180% | |
| Potassium | 3917 mg | 83% | |
*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.
