Baked Ziti (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 lb Italian sausage.
02 -
1 small onion, diced.
03 -
28 oz pasta or marinara sauce.
04 -
14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juices.
05 -
2 tsp Italian seasoning.
06 -
1/2 cup water.
07 -
16 oz ziti pasta.
08 -
15 oz ricotta cheese.
09 -
1 large egg.
10 -
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
11 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
12 -
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and diced onion. Drain any excess fat.
03 -
Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, water, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for about 12 minutes.
04 -
Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
05 -
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the shredded Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture in the greased baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by all of the ricotta cheese mixture, and then half of the remaining sauce.
07 -
Add the remaining ziti, top with the rest of the sauce, and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
08 -
Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden brown on top.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
02 -
The ziti can be prepared a day ahead, assembled, and then baked when ready.
03 -
Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.