Prego Zestyziti
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Prego Zestyziti, a hearty baked ziti recipe that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey layers of cheese for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner. Featuring savory ground Italian sausage infused with garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper, this zesty dish is elevated by a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The layering process ensures every bite is packed with a perfect mix of textures and flavors, while the fresh basil adds a pop of herbaceous freshness. Ready in just an hour and serving six, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Add this baked pasta favorite to your menu and enjoy cheesy, meaty goodness with every forkful!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 24 oz Prego marinara sauce
- 1 lb Ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 Egg
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the Prego marinara sauce and chopped basil with the cooked sausage. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until smooth.
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Layer half of the remaining meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer, followed by half of the remaining shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Let the Prego Zestyziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4779 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 241.1 g | 309% | |
| Saturated Fat | 100.5 g | 503% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 885 mg | 295% | |
| Sodium | 10792 mg | 469% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 441.8 g | 161% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.0 g | 129% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.6 g | ||
| Protein | 235.1 g | 470% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 3450 mg | 265% | |
| Iron | 28.8 mg | 160% | |
| Potassium | 3585 mg | 76% | |
*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.
