Are you a fan of comforting Italian classics? Look no further than this irresistible Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe! Imagine layers of tender ziti pasta, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, with succulent Italian sausage and gooey, melted cheese. It’s a dish that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of an authentic Italian kitchen.
This crowd-pleasing baked ziti is the perfect solution for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. The combination of zesty Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs will have everyone clamoring for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
What sets this baked ziti apart is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The richness of the Italian sausage complements the tangy tomato sauce, while the melted cheese adds an irresistible gooey texture. Every bite is a delightful combination of savory, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet, reserving the fat.
- In the same skillet with the reserved fat, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked sausage back to the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti pasta. Top with half of the sausage and tomato sauce mixture, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the remaining ziti, sausage and tomato sauce mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Italian classic!
