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Comforting Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta

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A hearty and satisfying baked ziti featuring spicy Italian sausage and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara sauce
  • 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450g) of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta well but don’t rinse.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (remove casing) and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
  4. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Return the browned sausage to the skillet with onions and garlic. Pour in 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally add chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  7. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture until well coated. Fold in the ricotta gently.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan over the layer. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Optionally broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispier top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds texture after baking. Drain but do not rinse pasta to help sauce cling. Brown sausage well for flavor. Fold ricotta gently to maintain creaminess. Season sauce carefully as sausage can be salty. Let dish rest before serving for better flavor and easier serving. Fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheeses. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can replace Italian sausage with adjusted seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, ricotta, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, weeknight meal

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