When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, few dishes can compete with the mouthwatering goodness of baked ziti. This hearty and satisfying pasta dish combines perfectly cooked ziti noodles with the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and zesty marinara sauce. This is a recipe I love to have in my arsenal because it is easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge until needed. Making it the perfect choice to bring to a friend in need of a good meal or to have prepped in the fridge on a busy day for dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving some cozy, home-cooked goodness, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What you will need:
- Ziti pasta (or any other tubular pasta of your choice)
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes & Italian Seasonings/ or a jar of marinara sauce* see notes
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
This hearty and cheesy dish is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home. It is a perfect recipe to prepare for someone i9n need of a meal after a baby, due to sickness or something else because you can make it ahead of time and it reheats beautifully. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be sure to have everyone coming back for seconds! Buon appetito!
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Baked Ziti
Description
This baked ziti recipe with Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting familiarity of traditional baked ziti with the robust flavors of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or any other tubular pasta of your choice)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional–but so good!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
Make the Marinara Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Preheat Your Oven: While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Assemble the Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Layer the Dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the ziti mixture as the next layer. Top this with half of the remaining marinara sauce, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti mixture, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Allow your baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
*Make Ahead Option: After step 8 –you can cool, cover, and refrigerate or freeze to make ahead.
*Semi-Homemade Option: If you want to substitute the homemade sauce for your favorite store bought one you can. You will need about 32 oz jar or 4 cups of sauce
*Vegetarian Option: You can make leave out the sausage and it is still fantastic.
*Gluten Free Option: Use Gluten free noodles
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