Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe

The aroma of baked ziti with Italian sausage wafts through the air, pulling you in like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture gooey mozzarella melting into tangy marinara, mingling with zesty Italian sausage, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta—it’s a love story written in cheese and sauce.

I remember the first time I tackled this dish; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to impress my friends for Game Day. You know the kind of gathering where everyone gathers around, arms crossed, eyes glued to the screen? Well, I figured that if I could whip up some comforting baked ziti, they might just forget about the score and focus on my culinary genius. Spoiler alert: they did!

Ingredients for baked ziti with italian sausage

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti for that perfect balance of sauce-to-pasta ratio.
• Italian Sausage: Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference; it adds a nice kick!
• Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred marinara will save you time without sacrificing flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy layer brings richness and helps bind everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is essential for that gooey topping we all crave.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a savory depth to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil at the end gives it an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

For the Sauce:

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced for maximum flavor impact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make baked ziti with italian sausage

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grab a large pot and bring water to a boil. Add salt like you’re prepping for an ocean vacation—don’t skimp on that flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Ziti

Once boiling, toss in your ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—firm but not crunchy! Drain it well and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about one minute). Then throw in your Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and crumbly—about seven minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti, browned sausage, marinara sauce (about two cups), ricotta cheese (half of the container), and half of your mozzarella. Stir until everything dances together in cheesy harmony.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread half of your pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top along with some grated Parmesan cheese. Top off with more pasta mixture before adding another layer of mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for about twenty-five minutes. Remove foil and bake for another fifteen minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and sprinkle fresh basil on top for that Instagram-worthy finish! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Baked ziti with Italian sausage isn’t just food; it’s comfort wrapped in layers of love and nostalgia. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home when you want something hearty yet uncomplicated!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet. While that sizzles away, cook your ziti pasta until al dente. Then, whip up the sauce with tomatoes and seasonings before layering everything together with cheese. Efficient and oh-so-satisfying!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize! Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of feta can elevate your baked ziti to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for convenience while keeping that cheesy goodness intact.

Sharing a laugh over cheesy baked ziti always brings my friends together—one time, we had so much we turned it into a competition: who could fit the most on their plate? Spoiler alert: it was me!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for baked ziti with Italian sausage?

To make baked ziti with Italian sausage, you’ll need ziti pasta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. This hearty dish relies on the robust flavor of the sausage combined with creamy cheeses and a rich tomato sauce. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavors even more!

How long does it take to prepare baked ziti with Italian sausage?

Preparation for baked ziti with Italian sausage typically takes about 20-30 minutes. This includes cooking the pasta and browning the sausage. Once assembled, baking takes an additional 30-40 minutes. Essentially, you can have a comforting and delicious meal ready in under an hour. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Can I make baked ziti with Italian sausage ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare baked ziti with Italian sausage in advance. Simply assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven. You might need to increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge. This make-ahead option is perfect for meal planning.

What can I serve with baked ziti with Italian sausage?

Baked ziti with Italian sausage pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for added nutrition. If you want something lighter, consider pairing it with a simple vinaigrette salad that balances the richness of the dish.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for baked ziti with Italian sausage:

Baked ziti with Italian sausage offers a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. With its savory sausage, creamy cheeses, and hearty pasta, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Remember to customize your recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Whether you make it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh out of the oven, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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📖 Recipe Card

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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately six

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Description

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for gatherings and easy weeknight dinners. Everyone will love the savory flavors and gooey texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz ziti pasta

For the Meat:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

For the Pasta:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. 2. Add ziti pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

For the Meat:

1. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about one minute).
2. 4. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbly, about seven minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

For the Sauce:

1. 5. In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti, browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.

For Assembly:

1. 6. Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and half of Parmesan cheese.
2. 7. Add another layer of pasta mixture followed by remaining mozzarella.

For Baking:

1. 8. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
2. 9. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 55mg