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Savory Cheesy Baked Ziti with Spicy Italian Sausage

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A comforting and exciting baked ziti dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, a blend of cheeses, and marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti and cook until just al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sausage sauce mixture (reserve about 1/2 cup for topping), 1 cup ricotta cheese, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold gently until evenly coated.
  7. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Layer the rest of the pasta, followed by the reserved sauce, and finish with the remaining cheeses.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
  9. Let the baked ziti sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven to set.
  10. Top with fresh basil leaves if desired, slice into portions, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Brown the sausage well for deep flavor. Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting and browning. Let the dish rest after baking to set. Cover with foil if edges brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, spicy Italian sausage, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, casserole

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/savory-cheesy-baked-ziti-with-spicy-italian-sausage-easy-recipe/