There’s something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, making you feel at home no matter where you are. One dish that always brings me back to my childhood is Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma of sizzling sausage and melting cheese filled the kitchen, and my kids couldn’t wait to dig in. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors, with the creamy ricotta balancing the savory sausage and tangy marinara sauce. It’s a meal that not only satisfies hunger but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage is sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this comforting recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List
12 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Prepare Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember, you want it firm enough to hold up in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it; you want that starch to help the sauce cling later.
Preparing the Sausage Mixture
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Next, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. This mixture is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese. Stir gently until everything is well mixed. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, spread half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then layer the remaining ziti mixture. Finish by topping it all off with the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. This layering creates a cheesy, gooey delight!
Baking the Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing the nutritional content can help you enjoy it even more. This Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage serves about six people, making it perfect for family dinners. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 45 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this hearty dish while being mindful of your nutritional goals!
Tips for Success
To make your Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage truly shine, here are some handy tips:
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in an extra scoop of ricotta cheese.
This dish can be made ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready!
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or use the microwave for a quick meal.
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives. Both will give you a creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly. For a dairy-free option, try using tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice for a similar consistency.
How do I reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the oven will keep the texture nice and creamy.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can definitely switch up the pasta! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni work well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, aiming for that perfect al dente texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ziti or any gluten-free pasta. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the marinara sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful Layers: The combination of savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: This dish is sure to please everyone at the table, from kids to adults, making it a go-to for family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance, saving you time and stress when it’s time to eat.
Freezer Friendly: Leftovers freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal anytime you crave comfort food.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage is a deliciously comforting dish that combines pasta, sausage, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese. Stir until well combined. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the ziti mixture in 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 in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
