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overhead shot of a casserole dish filled with baked ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti

This family-style casserole is definitely a crowd-pleaser. Extra cheesy and loaded with sausage, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
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Course: Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine: America, American and Itanlian
Keyword: Casserole, family style, pasta dinner
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Laura Franco

Ingredients 

  • 16 oz. box ziti
  • 1 lbs loose Italian sausage
  • 24 oz. jar prepared pasta sauce
  • 8 oz. plus 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1-1/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Boil ziti per the package direction until it's al dente.
  • While the ziti is boiling, brown the Italian sausage.
  • Pour off any excess liquid.
  • Mix ricotta, 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese, and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine cooked ziti and cooked sausage.
  • Top with ricotta mixture and stir until completely incorporated. Careful not to break the ziti noodles.
  • Add pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and mix.
  • Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Transfer ziti mixture to the casserole dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil, top with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and bake, uncovered, for 10 more minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh basil.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.

Notes

Krazy Kitchen Mom Tips
  • The recipe can be made and assembled 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator covered tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Be sure to cook ziti to al dente because it will continue to cook while it's baking.
  • Freeze this casserole for 4-6 weeks. Covered tightly.