Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

8 servings
Tender pasta, smothered in sauce with my special cheese blend that will satisfy even the pickiest eater.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz dry ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb Hot Italian Sausage
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 jars marinara/spaghetti sauce)

    24 ounces each (see notes

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 8 ounce pkg cream cheese

    at room temperature

  • 3 cups mozzarella
  • Fresh Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. 2

    Cook pasta 2 minutes under al dente according to package directions, drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet add onions and saute 2-3 minutes, add sausage and cook stirring occasionally, until cooked through about 12 minutes. Drain fat and add in garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes. Add in sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    In a medium bowl add cottage cheese, cream cheese, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil and mix until combined.

  5. 5

    Add meat mixture to pasta and mix until combined. In a 9x13 baking dish pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Add small scoops of the cheese mixture on the pasta. Then add the rest of the pasta. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese

  6. 6

    Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly

  7. 7

    Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil

Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

70 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table? This Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti is a hearty, flavorful dish designed to satisfy with its tender pasta and rich, cheesy sauce, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.

What sets this baked ziti apart is its indulgent, special cheese blend. Combining creamy cottage cheese with mellow cream cheese and generous mozzarella, it creates a luscious texture and flavor that perfectly balances the kick from the hot Italian sausage, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

You can expect a truly satisfying meal that brings together the robust flavor of hot Italian sausage with a rich marinara base. Each forkful delivers tender ziti pasta, enveloped in a creamy, melty cheese blend that stretches beautifully. This hearty dish offers a delightful contrast of spice from the sausage and the comforting creaminess of the cheeses, promising a robust, full-bodied flavor experience. With a yield of eight servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

While this recipe shines with hot Italian sausage, you can easily adjust the spice level by opting for a mild or sweet Italian sausage. Don't be shy about adding extra fresh Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.

This Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a potluck. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the rich sauce.

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