Description
Pizza Baked Ziti combines the best of pizza and pasta into a comforting, cheesy delight. This dish features tender ziti pasta enveloped in rich marinara sauce, Italian sausage, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, you’ll love its simplicity and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta and half of the mozzarella.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then half of the meat sauce; repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg