Baked Ziti

5 from 57 votes

Baked Ziti - our delicious baked pasta casserole that is so cozy and comforting and incredibly easy to make! You can prep and freeze it ahead of time for worry free weeknight dinners!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Calories: 389kcal

Author: Teri & Jenny

Equipment

casserole dish

Ingredients

8 ounces ziti pasta
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 sweet or spicy Italian sausages casings removed
2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store bought
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup parmesan grated
salt and pepper to taste
basil leaves garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a small handful of salt and pasta to water and stir. Boil pasta for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until pasta is al dente. Drain, toss with a teaspoon of oil, pour into a large mixing bowl.
Pour remaining olive oil into a large sauté pan and place over medium- high heat. Add sausage and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook sausage for about 5 minutes or until evenly browned. Drain and add to pasta.
Add marinara, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan and gently fold together until fully incorporated. Adjust seasonings.
Pour mixture into a lightly greased 8”x 8” baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until browned and bubbling.
Allow ziti to cool for 5 to 7 minutes before topping with basil leaves and serving.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare the recipe as directed, until it's time to place it in the oven. Tightly wrap the ziti in foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve bake the ziti, with the foil, for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until completely heated through.

Freeze Ahead: Make recipe through step #6. Place baking dish in freezer until completely frozen. Tightly cover with foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer until ready to use. When ready to use, preheat oven to 350˚F. Place covered, frozen ziti directly into oven and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until completely heated through and cheese on top has melted and browned. Serve.

Nutrition