Print

Savory Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Easy Cheesy Crust Recipe

baked ziti with italian sausage - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked ziti featuring Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and a gooey, golden cheesy crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy depending on preference)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese (whole-milk preferred)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook ziti pasta in boiling water for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown Italian sausage, breaking it apart, for 7-9 minutes.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to the sausage. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley if using. Mix until smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta and sausage tomato sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly.
  8. Layer half the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half the ricotta mixture over it. Repeat with remaining pasta and ricotta mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to set layers.

Notes

Brown the sausage properly for best flavor. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Resting the baked ziti after baking helps set the layers. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting. Tent with foil if cheese browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, cheesy crust, comfort food, easy dinner, pasta bake, Italian recipe

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