Description
A simple, budget-friendly baked ziti made with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta layer. This comforting casserole is ready in under an hour and feeds a crowd for under $12.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese (full-fat)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Water for boiling pasta
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, brown Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Toss the drained pasta with the remaining sauce in the skillet, then spread evenly into the baking dish.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently swirl to create ribbons.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray) and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set for cleaner slices. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta pasta, budget meals, family dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, Italian sausage, weeknight dinner