Baked Ziti Recipe
A comforting and delicious baked pasta dish layered with ziti, savory sausage, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 15 ounces full fat ricotta cheese
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add ziti pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions state.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Then mix in onion, garlic, and seasonings, cooking until onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Combine with the sausage and vegetable mixture, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce, stirring until well mixed.
Layering and Baking
- Pour half of the pasta and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of parmesan.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
Notes
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
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