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Cheesy Baked Ziti

A simple, comforting pasta dish with layers of ziti, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. A budget-friendly, easy-to-make family favorite!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil or parsley optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook ziti 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown sausage in olive oil. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, then add marinara, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Mix ricotta, sour cream, and 1/2 cup mozzarella in a bowl.
  • Layer half the pasta, half the sauce, and half the ricotta mixture in a greased 9x13 dish. Repeat layers.
  • Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover with foil.
  • Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly.
  • Let sit for 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.
Keyword Baked Ziti, Cheesy Comfort Food, Easy Pasta Bake