Description
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a deliciously comforting Italian-American dish, combining flavorful Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled dish for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 40min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
