Description
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.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg