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Cozy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Easy Cheesy Layered Recipe

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A comforting baked ziti layered with Italian sausage, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (about 200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (240 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ziti pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Stir in 28 ounces (800 g) crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return the browned Italian sausage to the skillet and stir to combine evenly. Remove from heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup/100 g). Add a pinch of salt and chopped fresh basil if using.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer one-third of the cooked ziti pasta, one-third of the sausage-tomato sauce mixture, and one-third of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  8. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Brown the sausage well for deeper flavor. Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving. Cover with foil during baking to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Variations include swapping sausage for mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian option, or using turkey sausage for a leaner dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, casserole, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/cozy-baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-easy-cheesy-layered-recipe/