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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

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4.2 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Description

This classic Baked Ziti recipe features al dente pasta combined with savory Italian sausage, rich ricotta, and marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling over pasta
  • 32 oz marinara sauce

Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti or penne pasta until al dente, then drain well in a colander. Drizzle the drained pasta with a little olive oil and toss gently to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  3. Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until well combined.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the ricotta cheese mixture into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Add the marinara sauce and cooked sausage. Gently stir everything together to evenly coat the pasta without breaking up the noodles.
  6. Assemble: Transfer the combined pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-and-ricotta-recipe/