Xtra Cheesy Baked Ziti Meal Prep

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 25 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a 6-quart pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes.

   8:00 · Boil pasta
2. 2

   Drain the pasta and set aside in the pot.

3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 7 minutes.

   7:00 · Brown sausage
4. 4

   Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   1:00 · Cook garlic
5. 5

   Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

   5:00 · Simmer sauce
6. 6

   In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and basil until smooth.

7. 7

   Add the sausage sauce and the ricotta mixture to the pot of drained ziti. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

8. 8

   Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.

9. 9

   Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

10. 10

    Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

    20:00 · Bake covered
11. 11

    Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots, about 15 minutes.

    15:00 · Bake uncovered
12. 12

    Let the ziti cool for 15 minutes, then divide into 6 even portions among meal prep containers.

    15:00 · Cool before portioning
13. 13

    Refrigerate containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in the microwave until hot throughout.