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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

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Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. Packed with layers of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce, all smothered in gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a hearty, flavorful meal.

A hearty serving of Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is presented on a white ceramic plate. The ziti is generously coated with a rich, tomato-based sauce, with bits of browned Italian sausage and gooey, melted mozzarella. The top of the casserole is golden brown and slightly crispy, with visible specks of grated Parmesan. Fresh basil leaves are scattered on top for garnish. The background features a rustic wooden table with a casserole dish partially visible, a side of garlic bread, and a glass of red wine. The lighting is warm and inviting, emphasizing the comforting nature of the dish, with an overhead angle showing the full plate.


Key Information:

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 55 minutes
  • Number of servings: 6-8
  • Serving size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1200mg

Ingredients:

  • For the ziti:
    • 450g (1 lb) ziti pasta
    • 450g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
    • 700g (24 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
    • 240g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 120g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
    • 60g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil (5g)
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5g)
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method of Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook the sausage and make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and add it to the skillet. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheeses are well distributed.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.
  9. Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Culinary Success:

  1. Use quality marinara sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, using a high-quality marinara sauce makes a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
  2. Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the ziti just until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft after baking.
  3. Customize the sausage: Choose mild or hot Italian sausage based on your spice preference, or mix both for a balanced flavor.
  4. Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
  5. Add vegetables: For added nutrition, consider mixing in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the pasta and sauce.

FAQs:

  1. Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
  2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as a substitute for ricotta in this recipe.
  3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne or rigatoni can be used in place of ziti. Any tubular pasta that holds sauce well will work.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  5. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.


This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is the epitome of comfort food, with its rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving for a hearty, flavorful meal. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

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