Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy, Quick, and Delicious Comfort Food
A hearty, cheesy baked ziti dish with a tangy marinara sauce, layered pasta, and a trio of melted cheeses. Ready in under 45 minutes, this fatty-free comfort food is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 8 servings (1 ½ cups each) 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with certified pasta)
Ingredients
1 lb halal or plant-based Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup finely chopped white onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2–20 oz bottles marinara sauce
1 tbsp dried parsley
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add halal sausage, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until sausage is browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it into small crumbles.
Pour in marinara sauce, then add parsley, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (2-3 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and mix with 1 ladle of sauce to coat.
Spread ½ of the sauce in the dish. Dot with half the ricotta. Layer pasta, then remaining ricotta. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Use halal-certified sausage or a plant-based alternative for compliance.
Add ½ cup chopped mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg