Easy Baked Ziti
This Easy Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing three-cheese pasta that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. It is a fantastic make-ahead dinner option for busy families who need a hearty casserole.
Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
45 min
Servings
8
Calories
510
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- 1 egg
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente; drain.
- 2
Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it up. Stir in marinara.
- 3
Mix ricotta with egg and parmesan.
- 4
Layer pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a 9×13 baking dish.
- 5
Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 6
Top with basil; rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 510 calories
protein
28g
carbs
52g
fat
22g
fiber
4g
sugar
6g
sodium
780mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?+
Yes — store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I freeze baked ziti?+
Most components freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with this baked ziti?+
Pair with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Recipe by Sarah Mitchell
Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen
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