Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering allure of Creamy Baked Ziti, a beloved Italian-American classic that combines al dente ziti pasta with a rich and creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, all enveloped in savory marinara sauce. This comforting dish is baked until golden and bubbly, making it an irresistible centerpiece for family dinners or gatherings. With its hearty textures and flavors, Creamy Baked Ziti is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables for added nutrition!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat; add marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and optional basil.
- Combine cooked ziti with sausage mixture; fold in cheese mixture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer half the ziti mixture in a baking dish, top with remaining ziti and sprinkle with 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 cup (245g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 785mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg