Ziti and Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Ziti and Sausage bake, a crowd-pleasing classic loaded with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Perfectly al dente ziti is tossed with a savory tomato sauce infused with fragrant garlic, onions, and tender Italian sausage—choose mild or spicy to suit your preference. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella and Parmesan takes this dish to the next level. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this baked pasta is not only easy to make but also ideal for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, and serve warm for maximum satisfaction. Whether for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this Ziti and Sausage recipe is sure to be a standout favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Add the ricotta cheese and mix until evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
618 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.1 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1259 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 483 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 720 mg | 15% | |
*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.
