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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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3.9 from 162 reviews

This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American classic pasta dish made with ziti or penne pasta baked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with Italian sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The combination of savory sausage, melted cheeses, and a touch of seasoning makes it a perfect hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and family-friendly.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta

Sauce and Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

Cheeses

  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked ziti or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sausage sauce: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage while breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned and cooked through, remove excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Make the tomato cream sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl or the same pot used for pasta, combine the cooked pasta, sausage tomato cream sauce, and ricotta cheese. Stir gently until well mixed.
  5. Assemble the baked ziti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheeses evenly.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and/or basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
  • The white sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be omitted if preferred.
  • For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To save time, use pre-cooked or leftover pasta, but reduce baking time accordingly.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/easy-baked-ziti-recipe/