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–+ servings
Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti: A Family Favorite Comfort Dish

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that brings joy and satisfaction, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta Cook al dente.
For the Sauce
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage (ground) Sweet or spicy.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Or fresh herbs.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Lighter substitute: Greek yogurt.
For the Cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture for melting.
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Sliced.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Romano cheese is a substitute.
For the Garnish
  • 1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes Optional for spice.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil Minced.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Dutch oven
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
  3. Brown the ground Italian sausage in a Dutch oven for 5–7 minutes. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Fold ziti into the sauce and mix with 1½ cups mozzarella cheese. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  6. Top with sliced fresh mozzarella and remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil.
  7. Bake covered for 20 minutes until bubbly.
  8. Remove the foil, add Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with chili flakes and basil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Great for meal prep and freezes well for up to 2 months.

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