Description
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti recipe featuring savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a rich tomato marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy, satisfying Italian-American dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the ziti.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add sauce and seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage and marinara sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute everything.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner protein option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes amount based on your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
