Description
A delicious baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer half of the ziti mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Add a layer of sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg