Baked Ziti with Sausage
A comforting dish that captures the essence of home-cooked Italian cuisine, featuring tender pasta, rich sausage, and a medley of cheeses in a luscious marinara sauce.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ziti pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
- 1 pound Italian sausage Choose mild or spicy based on preference.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing the sausage.
- 4 cups Marinara sauce Use high-quality store-bought or homemade.
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese Adds creaminess to the dish.
- 3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese For the gooey top layer.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Enhances flavor with a nutty taste.
- 1 large Egg Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil Chopped for freshness.
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper and mix until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage and marinara sauce until well coated.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, dollop half of the ricotta mixture, and top with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
This dish can be customized with vegetables, different cheeses, or meat alternatives. It also freezes well for future meals.