Description
A hearty and comforting baked ziti dish featuring Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Add the sausage mixture to the pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, pasta bake, comfort food, Italian cuisine, cheesy ziti, family dinner