Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

August 8, 2024
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Here’s a classic and comforting Baked Ziti recipe that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti or penne pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • For the Cheese Mixture:
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add sugar if needed to balance the acidity.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
  1. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage tomato sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer and spread it out gently.
  • Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  1. Bake:
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and comforting baked ziti! This dish is great for leftovers and can also be frozen for later meals.