Baked Ziti Recipe

This easy Baked Ziti recipe brings this classic family favorite to the next level. It combines noodles, meat sauce and cheese in the ultimate comfort food.

Course Main Dish, Pasta Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 501kcal

Author Leigh Anne Wilkes

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausages
1/2 cup chopped onion white or yellow
3 large garlic cloves chopped
1 28 ounce canned diced tomatoes
1/4 cup pesto
10 ounces ziti or penne pasta about 3 cups, freshly cooked
4 cups baby spinach leaves
6 ounces mozzarella cheese grated or cubed
1 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente (still a bit firm). Drain
Cook sausage, onion and garlic in a frying pan until is cooked through
Add in tomatoes with juices
Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes
Add pesto. Season with salt and pepper if needed
Season sauce with salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl.
Stir in warm hot tomato mixture.
Place in prepared baking dish
Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over
Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes

Notes

The sauce can be made the day before to speed up the process on a busy night.

Cook your pasta al dente, so it is still a bit firm. It will continue to cook as the ziti bakes. It can also be cooked ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to use.

This is a great recipe to double and freeze for later or share with a neighbor.

Nutrition