Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a comforting pasta dish that combines rich flavors with a delightful cheesy texture. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The blend of ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses creates layers of flavor that are irresistible. Plus, it’s an easy one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 500
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich, meaty flavors of the Italian sausage meld beautifully with the creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. Plus, it can easily be prepared in advance and baked when you’re ready to eat, making mealtime convenient and stress-free. With its inviting aroma and cheesy goodness, this dish brings everyone to the table.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Making this classic baked ziti is straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that is comforting and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat to keep the dish balanced.
Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the sausage and mix well. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixed well.
Step 4: Baking the Ziti
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Baked Ziti is best enjoyed hot from the oven. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. The rich flavors pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light antipasto platter. For a heartier option, consider adding a glass of red wine for an adult gathering.
How to Store Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
To store leftover baked ziti, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep for about 3-5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses. Adding provolone or fontina will give you a unique flavor twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. It allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Healthy Twist: Consider using turkey sausage for a lighter version or swapping whole wheat ziti for extra fiber.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach or bell peppers to the mixture for some added nutrition and color.
- Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Pesto Ziti: Stir in some basil pesto during the mixing step for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
- Mexican-Inspired Ziti: Incorporate cooked ground beef, black beans, and taco seasoning for a Mexican flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if desired.
- Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
- What should I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese can be used as a great substitute for ricotta.
- How can I add more flavor to the sauce? Enhance your marinara sauce with fresh garlic, onions, and herbs for added depth.
- Can Baked Ziti be reheated? Absolutely! Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a classic dish that’s perfect for your next family meal or gathering with friends. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, sure to create fond memories around the dinner table. With its straightforward preparation and satisfying taste, this recipe is one that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and experience the comforting goodness of this Italian-American classic!
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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting pasta dish combining rich flavors of Italian sausage with a delightful cheesy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the sausage and mix well. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixed well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
Notes
Consider using different cheeses for a unique twist. Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
