If you're on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than this Foolproof Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage! With layers of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this Italian classic is not just a meal; it's an experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe promises to deliver flavor and ease, making it the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Ready to dive into a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer with the meat for 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add the cooked ziti to the meat and marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the first layer.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use sweet or spicy varieties depending on your preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the ziti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in your final dish.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ziti in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds color but enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your baked ziti with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 689kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 103mg
