Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Baked Ziti featuring Italian Sausage. This hearty dish blends robust Italian sausage and a luxurious mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all wrapped in tender baked ziti. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, its layers of flavors and textures promise satisfaction in every bite. Easy to prepare ahead, this recipe makes mealtime enjoyable, allowing you to focus on what matters most—sharing good times with loved ones.

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Ingredients

12 ounces ziti pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (choose between mild or spicy)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook as per package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until it's nicely browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion into the skillet with the sausage, sautéing until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using for a spicy kick), along with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked ziti pasta and pour in the sausage-tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly until all pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Layer the Dish: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti and sausage mixture to cover the bottom. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta and ricotta, then top the entire dish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, after which you will remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: For a beautiful finish, serve the ziti in individual portions, garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil.