Description
This cheesy baked ziti is a delightful comfort dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a quick dinner, it combines simple prep with delicious flavors, making it a go-to for weeknight meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound italian sausage, ground
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, or homemade
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, for serving
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and salt it. Cook ziti until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large Dutch oven, add sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream, then stir until blended. Add cooked ziti and 1½ cups shredded mozzarella.
- Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, then top with fresh mozzarella slices and remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove foil and sprinkle with Parmesan. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.
- Serve with chili flakes and fresh basil sprinkled on top.
Notes
For extra flavor, use homemade marinara sauce if possible.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the filling for a healthier twist.
Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg