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Creamy baked pasta with melted cheese and fresh basil in a white casserole dish.

Easy Baked Ziti

Amanda BC
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine italian-american
Servings 2
Calories 712 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1 Italian sausage crumbled
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped onions for 2 minutes. Add the sausage and sprig of rosemary to the pan and brown the meat well.
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  • Once the meat is browned, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce and half of the ricotta cheese. Combine well, then add the cooked pasta and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Stir until the pasta is coated with the sauce and remove the sprig of rosemary.
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  • Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a casserole pan, then top with the remaining ricotta cheese. Add the other half of the pasta mixture and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
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  • Bake the ziti pasta in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes to cool. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy.
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Nutrition

Calories: 712kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 34gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 1449mgFiber: 4g
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