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Comforting Baked Ziti Recipe with Cheesy Sausage and Rich Tomato Sauce

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A warm, hearty baked ziti with browned Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce simmered with herbs, and a cheesy mozzarella-parmesan topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or reserved pasta cooking liquid

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 grams) of ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Stir in 28 ounces (800 grams) crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or reserved pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, browned sausage, and tomato sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly.
  6. Stir in 1 1/2 cups (150 grams) shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan into the pasta mixture.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (50 grams) mozzarella and 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan evenly on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Brown sausage well for flavor. Simmer sauce for at least 15 minutes to develop depth. Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. For creamier texture, add ricotta or cream cheese before baking. Can broil cheese topping 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, cheesy pasta, tomato sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pasta, mozzarella, parmesan

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/comforting-baked-ziti-recipe-with-cheesy-sausage-and-rich-tomato-sauce/