Baked Ziti

5 from 11 votes

This Baked Ziti is delicious, easy to make and the best comfort food. Make for a weeknight dinner or when you have friends over for a crowd pleasing meal.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Remove from the oven and let it rest5

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: Carrie Barnard

Cost: $15.38, $1.92 per Servings

Ingredients

1 pound Italian Ground Sausage
3 garlic cloves minced
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
3 cans Crushed Tomatoes 15 ounces each
1 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Sugar
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
1 pound Ziti Pasta
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Basil Chopped (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
Cook 1 pound ziti pasta to al dente based on the package instructions.
In a large deep skillet, brown 1 pound Italian ground sausage over medium high heat. Break it up as it browns and drain off any excess grease.
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for approximately 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic.
Stir in 3 cans (15 ounces each) crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta making sure that it’s completely covered in the sauce.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
Evenly dollop 1 cup ricotta cheese on top of the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top of the pasta is slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh basil on and top and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Make sure to use a pan large enough to hold all of the pasta and sauce to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce before layering it in the baking dish.

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition