Delight in the rich and robust flavors of our Savory Sausage Baked Ziti. This classic Italian dish combines tender ziti pasta with spicy sausage, smothered in a zesty tomato sauce and layers of gooey cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 8 people.
- Each serving includes a generous portion of baked ziti.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 450 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage, casing removed: 450 g (1 lb)
- Onion, chopped: 1 medium
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz)
- Tomato paste: 60 g (2 oz)
- Ricotta cheese: 240 g (1 cup)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 300 g (3 cups)
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 100 g (1 cup)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Italian seasoning: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Method of Preparation
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sausage sauce. Stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, undercook it slightly before baking.
- Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the sausage and add vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.