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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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A hearty and comforting baked ziti featuring spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 g) crushed tomatoes, canned
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and sausage tomato sauce until well coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half the cheese mixture evenly over it. Repeat with remaining pasta and top with remaining shredded mozzarella.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; cook al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Browning sausage well enhances flavor. Use fresh mozzarella for best melt. Let baked ziti rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for cleaner servings. Sauce can be thickened with extra tomato paste if watery. Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-recipe-easy-5-step-dinner-guide/