Mozzarella Ziti with Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mozzarella Ziti with Sausage, a hearty baked pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Tender ziti pasta is tossed with a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and perfectly browned Italian sausage—choose mild for a classic taste or spicy for a bold kick. Creamy ricotta and a generous layer of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create an irresistibly gooey, golden topping that’s baked to perfection. Ready in just about an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it’s a family-friendly dish that serves six and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Perfect for lovers of baked ziti recipes, cheesy pasta bakes, and Italian sausage dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the marinara sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.4 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.7 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1456 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.3 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 326 mg | 7% | |
*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.
