Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked ziti is a classic comfort food that has captured the hearts and palates of families across the globe. This Italian-American dish, known for its hearty and satisfying nature, is often a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy weeknight dinners. One of the most delightful variations of baked ziti is the sausage-stuffed rendition, which infuses the traditional recipe with rich flavors and a satisfying heartiness.

Looking for easy lunch recipes that fit into your busy schedule? This Sausage-Stuffed Baked Ziti Delight is perfect for quick meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings. With a blend of pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, its bound to become a weekly favorite. Check out therecipes for more ideas! EasyLunchRecipes QuickMealPrep FamilyDinner ComfortFood MealPrepIdeas BakedZiti FoodieFavorites

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Ingredients

12 ounces ziti pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups marinara sauce

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage mixture. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese (¾ cup) and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly blended.

Assemble the Dish: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti and sausage mixture onto the bottom. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture on top, then layer the remaining ziti mixture on top of that. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the ziti cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8