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Savory Baked Ziti with Spicy Italian Sausage

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan. Stir in the cooked sausage and tomato sauce mixture until well combined.
  7. Add the drained ziti pasta to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce and cheese mixture.
  8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the first layer. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining mozzarella.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  10. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. If cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. For a crustier top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze assembled portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, spicy Italian sausage, comfort food, easy dinner, pasta bake, cheesy pasta, Italian recipe

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