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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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This cozy baked ziti features spicy Italian sausage, a rich garlicky tomato sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for lighter option)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 1 large egg
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning sausage)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add Italian sausage and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate; leave drippings in the pan.
  4. Add chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well. Return browned sausage to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup grated parmesan, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, toss cooked ziti with half the meat sauce. Reserve the rest for layering.
  8. Spread half the sauced ziti in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half the cheese mixture (drop in spoonfuls, then spread gently). Pour remaining sauce and pasta over. Finish with the rest of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan on top.
  9. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let baked ziti cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with torn basil and extra parmesan.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Let the dish rest before slicing for cleaner servings. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute pasta and cheese as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, family meal, potluck, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-easy-cozy-dinner-recipe/