Ziti Casserole
Dive into the comforting flavors of this hearty Ziti Casserole, a baked pasta dish that's packed with cheesy, meaty goodness and vibrant Italian flavors. Featuring tender ziti pasta layered with a savory marinara and Italian sausage sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this casserole is the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. The addition of garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning ensures robust flavor in every bite, while a bubbly, golden cheese topping brings it all together. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, this recipe is a delicious balance of convenience and indulgence, delivering classic baked pasta perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, this Ziti Casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
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 ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Mix until well combined.
Spread half of the ziti mixture in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the marinara-sausage mixture over the pasta and spread evenly. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce layers.
Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3953 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 249.0 g | 319% | |
| Saturated Fat | 111.5 g | 558% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 686 mg | 229% | |
| Sodium | 8256 mg | 359% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.7 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.8 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.8 g | ||
| Protein | 220.7 g | 441% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3266 mg | 251% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1922 mg | 41% | |
*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.
