Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti 🧀🍝, a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion! With its savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this irresistible baked ziti:
Ingredients:
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ziti pasta |
| 1 | Italian sausage |
| 1 | Ricotta cheese |
| 1 | Egg |
| 2 | Parsley |
| 2 | Mozzarella cheese |
| 1/4 | Parmesan cheese |
| 1 | Jar of pasta sauce |
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your baked ziti cooks evenly and becomes golden and bubbly on top.
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Cook Ziti: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Al dente pasta adds a delightful texture to the dish and prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
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Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, 1-1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy and flavorful mixture forms the base of our baked ziti, adding richness and depth of flavor.
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Add Sausage and Pasta: Next, add the cooked Italian sausage to the ricotta mixture, along with the cooked ziti pasta. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the cheese mixture. This step ensures that every bite is packed with deliciousness.
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Layer with Sauce: Pour 3/4 of the jar of pasta sauce into the bowl with the pasta mixture. Stir until the sauce is well incorporated throughout the ziti. The sauce adds moisture and flavor to the dish, infusing it with classic Italian taste.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Transfer the ziti mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. A casserole dish with high sides works best for containing all the cheesy goodness and preventing any spills in the oven.
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Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the top of the ziti mixture, spreading it out with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating a gooey and golden crust as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sausage will fill your kitchen, tantalizing your taste buds.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon generous portions onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions:
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To Freeze: If you want to prepare the baked ziti ahead of time, simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and freeze it. Once frozen, you can transfer the dish to a freezer bag for easier storage.
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To Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the baked ziti, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.
This Deliciously Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining comforting flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the cheesy goodness of homemade baked ziti!
