Description
A comforting and delicious baked ziti layered with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a mix of cheeses, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti pasta until al dente.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt and herbs.
- Drain the pasta and rinse. Mix the pasta with the sausage mixture and ricotta mixture in a large bowl.
- Layer some sauce in a baking dish, then half the ziti mixture, half the mozzarella, and repeat.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using high-quality sausages and cheeses. Fresh herbs enhance the dish significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian Sausage, Comfort Food, Pasta Dish, Family Recipe
