Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

The key to a flavor-packed Cheesy Baked Ziti begins with the sausage and aromatics.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Baked Ziti, a classic Italian-American dish that's become a family favorite. This simple yet delicious recipe combines al dente ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of cheeses for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering, this baked ziti is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. Easy to prepare, it's a true crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

15 ounces ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (approximately 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine with Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage mixture. Stir in the ricotta cheese until evenly distributed.

Layer the Dish: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, add half of the ziti mixture and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. Layer the remaining ziti mixture over the cheese, and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to avoid sticking, you can spray the foil with a little cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8