Baked Ziti

Loaded with pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food for pasta lovers. A hearty dish that satisfies every cheese craving, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and perfect for leftovers.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

7. Pour the sausage and marinara mixture over the pasta and mix well to combine.

8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the leftovers with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.