Save to Pinterest A classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheese, baked to perfection.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household for its rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti or penne pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 400 g (14 oz) canned tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cheese: 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese; 120 g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese; 425 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese; 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6&8 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble:
- Spread half of the sauced pasta in the prepared baking dish. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella.
- Add Remaining Layers:
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining ricotta mixture and mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10&15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings everyone around the table, sharing stories and laughter over plates of cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread; try with a Chianti or Sangiovese wine.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), egg, wheat (pasta), and pork (sausage). Double-check sausage ingredients and cheese labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories; Total Fat: 31 g; Carbohydrates: 52 g; Protein: 32 g.
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti recipe guarantees a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti or penne pasta are ideal because their tubular shape holds the sauce well and layers nicely under the cheese.
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage are good leaner alternatives, and hot Italian sausage adds extra spice.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out while baking?
Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture, then bake uncovered toward the end to brown the cheese.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking to develop flavors further.
- → What can I serve alongside this meal?
A fresh green salad and crusty bread make excellent accompaniments, and a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors.