Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

6 servings
Baked ziti with Italian sausage is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings warmth to any occasion. Picture layers of tender ziti pasta enveloped in rich marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage crumbles, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, sure to impress every guest at your table. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven paired with garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

  • ziti pasta
    12 oz
  • italian sausage

    spicy or mild

    1 lb
  • marinara sauce
    24 oz
  • ricotta cheese
    15 oz
  • shredded mozzarella cheese

    whole milk

    3 c
  • grated parmesan cheese
    ½ c
  • fresh basil or parsley

    chopped

    ¼ c
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 2

    Boil a large pot of salted water; cook ziti until al dente, then drain.

  3. 3

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the Italian sausage until browned.

  4. 4

    Add marinara sauce to the sausage and simmer for about 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.

  6. 6

    Layer in a baking dish: start with pasta, add half the sausage mixture, dollops of ricotta, then mozzarella. Repeat layers.

  7. 7

    Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

  8. 8

    Let cool for five minutes before serving.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

45 min6 servings460 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, cheesy dish that feels both special and easy to make? This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage delivers just that, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It's the perfect answer for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its irresistible layering. You'll enjoy tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, savory marinara sauce, complemented by delicious Italian sausage crumbles, all bound together with a generous amount of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This combination creates a deeply satisfying flavor and texture in every single forkful.

Prepare to indulge in a dish that's wonderfully robust and hearty. Each bite of this baked ziti offers a delightful contrast: the slight chew of perfectly cooked pasta against the savory, seasoned Italian sausage, all coated in a vibrant marinara and luscious, melted cheese. It's comfort food at its finest, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and appealing texture.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you want to boost the nutrition, consider mixing in hearty vegetables like spinach or mushrooms directly into the sauce. For those who prefer a dish with a bit more kick, opt for spicy Italian sausage or simply stir in some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra layer of heat.

Serve this comforting baked ziti fresh out of the oven. It makes an unforgettable meal for family dinners or larger gatherings, and pairs beautifully with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

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