Description
Comforting Italian-American classic Baked Ziti brings hearty pasta goodness straight to dinner tables with rich layers of cheese, marinara, and seasoned ground beef. Melted mozzarella and herbed ricotta create a creamy masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
Cheese and Cream Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for serving
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired casserole.
- Create perfectly al dente ziti by boiling in salted water, removing 2-3 minutes before package instructions suggest. Drain and reserve.
- In a large pot, transform Italian sausage and diced onions into a golden, fragrant base, breaking meat into crumbly pieces.
- Introduce minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, letting the ingredients dance and release their vibrant flavors for one minute.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, then swirl in luxurious heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Gently fold the reserved ziti into the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.
- Transfer half the saucy pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an inviting first layer.
- Dollop creamy ricotta cheese across the pasta, creating a rich, pillowy middle stratum.
- Crown the ricotta with remaining pasta mixture, maintaining distinct layers.
- Generously shower the top with grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella, promising a golden, crispy cheese blanket.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then activate the broiler, transforming the cheese into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
- Optional: Scatter fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finale.
Notes
- Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or selecting mild/spicy Italian sausage for personal preference.
- Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives like part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Make this dish vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for protein and depth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg