Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe, where al dente ziti pasta meets a rich medley of cheeses and savory Italian sausage. This dish is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to prepare, it’s as satisfying as it is delicious, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh basil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground Italian sausage. Stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and fresh basil.
- In another bowl, mix cooked ziti with the sausage mixture and fold in the cheese mixture until combined.
- Layer half of the ziti mixture in a baking dish, top with remaining mixture, and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 438
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 842mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 84mg