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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
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Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly combines tender tubular pasta with a rich marinara sausage sauce and a creamy, cheesy topping. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this baked ziti offers a hearty, flavorful, and hassle-free meal that reheats beautifully and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sausage

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs (optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Italian Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, creating the base flavor for the dish.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped garlic and onion to the browned sausage. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes, building an aromatic base for the sauce.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse to help the sauce adhere to the noodles.
  5. Assemble the Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce, and dollops of ricotta cheese. Stir gently to blend everything evenly, ensuring creamy, flavorful bites.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta: Aim for al dente so it holds its texture after baking.
  • Use fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture.
  • Layer cheese thoughtfully: ricotta inside and mozzarella on top ensures creamy and melty textures.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if it tastes too acidic for a balanced flavor.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to set and meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, easy pasta bake, comforting dinner, cheesy pasta casserole, weeknight dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage/