Baked Ziti with Sausage
This hearty and comforting Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring ziti pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce, flavored with sweet or spicy Italian sausage, and layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers irresistible layers of flavor in every bite. The addition of garlic, onions, and classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano brings a bold, aromatic depth to the sauce, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds optional heat. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make casserole is ready in just an hour and serves up to six people. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, half of the sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Repeat layering with the remaining pasta mixture, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 208.1 g | 267% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.9 g | 404% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 594 mg | 198% | |
| Sodium | 7209 mg | 313% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 426.5 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.8 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.8 g | ||
| Protein | 206.9 g | 414% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3024 mg | 233% | |
| Iron | 31.9 mg | 177% | |
| Potassium | 3760 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
