Baked Ziti
A family favorite! Baked ziti made using pasta, cheeses, and marinara sauce. Great for everyday or a holiday.
Ingredients
Ground Pork Seasoning
Ziti
- 1 tsp dried onions
- 16 oz ziti or penne
- 1 tbsp olive oil plus mor for drizzling
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 lg egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese-divided
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded-divided
- 2 tbsp fresh basil-chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped basil-garnish
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients for the ground pork in a bowl. Then add the ground pork and mix together until incorporated. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375'. Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente per package instructions. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Use a colander to drain the pasta, drizzle with a little olive oil so isn't doesn't stick together. Pout the pasta into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a large pan heat the oil over medium heat and cook the sausage. Breaking up the meat until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Discard the fat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, basil, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta. Then add the marinara sauce, sausage and stir until combined. Stirring gently, trying not to break up the pasta.
- Pour the pasta into the casserole dish and top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.