Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this baked ziti recipe, a perfect harmony of ziti pasta, velvety ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare—making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Each bite offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart. Enhance your meal with a simple side salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable dining experience. This creamy baked ziti recipe is your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the sausage. Stir in marinara sauce and remove from heat.
- Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and basil in a bowl.
- Mix cooked ziti with sausage mixture; fold in cheese mixture gently.
- Layer half the ziti in a baking dish, add remaining mixture on top, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered 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 slice (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg