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Comforting Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Three Cheeses

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses for a comforting homemade dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces or 225 g)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Mix gently until well blended.
  7. Add drained ziti to the sauce in the skillet or transfer both to a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat every piece with sauce.
  8. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sauced pasta. Dollop half the cheese mixture evenly on top, then layer the remaining pasta. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the top and sprinkle the last ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is lightly browned.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; cook until just al dente. Brown sausage well for smoky flavor. Mix cheese into sauce for creamy texture. Let rest before serving for better texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Use fresh garlic and herbs for brightness. Can substitute gluten-free pasta or turkey sausage for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, three cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, comfort food, easy dinner, pasta bake

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/comforting-baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-and-three-cheeses-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/