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Savory Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Perfect Melted Cheese Recipe

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A comforting baked ziti dish featuring Italian sausage and a blend of creamy cheeses, layered and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened but still saucy.
  7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt and some fresh basil leaves if desired.
  8. In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sausage tomato sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Spoon half of the remaining sauce on top.
  9. Repeat layering with the rest of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Break sausage into small crumbles for even cooking. Layer ingredients instead of mixing to ensure balanced bites. Simmer sauce to thicken and concentrate flavors. Rest baked ziti before serving to set layers. Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/savory-baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-perfect-melted-cheese-recipe/