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Cozy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Italian Sausage

baked ziti with ricotta and italian sausage - featured image
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A warm, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring ricotta cheese and Italian sausage, perfect for family meals and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional, a pinch

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1 pound Italian sausage (removed from casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the sausage. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in 3 cups marinara sauce and stir well. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked ziti with 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese until evenly coated.
  7. Spread half of the sausage and marinara mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the ricotta-coated pasta on top. Repeat layers once more, finishing with a generous sprinkle of 2 cups shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Drain excess fat after browning sausage to avoid greasiness but keep enough for sautéing aromatics. Let the baked ziti rest after baking to thicken the sauce and make serving easier. If cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut yogurt for ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta, Italian sausage, pasta bake, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cozy-baked-ziti-with-ricotta-and-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-for-family-meals/