Baked Ziti: Your Ultimate Comfort Food for Cozy Nights

Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that combines hearty pasta, zesty sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 5

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 lb Ziti Pasta Substitute with penne or rigatoni if desired.

For the Sauce

1 lb Italian Sausage Can be replaced with ground turkey or omitted for a vegetarian option.
1 cup Diced Yellow Onion Substitute with shallots if preferred.
4 cloves Garlic Roughly chopped, fresh garlic is ideal.
24 oz Jarred Marinara Sauce Look for low-sugar varieties.
15 oz Tomato Sauce Look for low-sugar varieties.
1 tsp Sea Salt Adjust according to taste and dietary needs.
1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning Can substitute with mixed dried herbs.
½ cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.

For the Cheesy Topping

2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Can replace with provolone or Gouda.
8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Thinly sliced, can be omitted if unavailable.
¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste.

For Serving

¼ tsp Red Chili Flakes Provide heat; adjust based on preference.
2 Tbsp Minced Fresh Basil Can use dried basil or parsley as an alternative.

Equipment

9×13 baking dish
large pot
colander
mixing bowl

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ziti pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add Italian sausage, diced onion, and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes until browned.
Stir in marinara and tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained ziti with the sauce mixture and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pour the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, arrange slices of fresh mozzarella on top, followed by the remaining shredded mozzarella.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and minced basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Prepare this dish in advance and save leftovers for quick reheats.

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