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Cozy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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A comforting and easy baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild, casings removed)
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked; penne or rigatoni can be substituted)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove sausage to a bowl, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil if pan is dry.
  5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with onions and garlic. Stir in browned sausage, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until smooth.
  7. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom. Add half the cooked pasta, then dollop half the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before assembling, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen. Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Browning the sausage well adds depth of flavor. Let the dish rest after baking for easier serving. For a bubbly, slightly charred cheese crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

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

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