Cheesy Baked Ziti

5 from 1 vote

This cheesy baked ziti is baked to perfection with al dente noodles, spicy pepperoni, flavorful sausage, and smothered in melty cheese. It comes together quickly and easily and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights!

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian, Italian American

Keyword: baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti

Servings:

Author: Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup pepperoni
16 ounces ziti noodles
1 diced green bell pepper, about 1 cup
1 diced small yellow onion, about 1 cup
1 clove garlic minced, 1 teaspoon
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the 16 ounces ziti noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
Cook the 1 pound Italian sausage, 1 cup pepperoni, 1 diced green bell pepper,, and 1 diced small yellow onion, in a skillet over medium-high heat until the sausage is evenly browned.
Add 1 clove garlic, HALF of the 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, HALF of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 cups marinara sauce to the skillet. Continue cooking until the garlic and cheese are fully incorporated.
Add the cooked pasta and sauce mixture to the baking dish and stir to incorporate. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese begins to bubble and brown on top.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Originally posted December 30, 2020

Updated October 5, 2024

Nutrition

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