Flavorful Baked Ziti with Sausage

This filling baked ziti mixes al dente pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and tasty marinara for a comforting meal everyone will want more of. It's great for big family meals or when you want something that tastes like restaurant food without much work.

I threw this baked ziti together for our family holiday gathering five years back. Now we can't celebrate without it. My fussy nephew actually asks for it by name whenever he stops by.

Ingredients

• Ziti or penne pasta: Gives you just the right feel with grooves that trap all that yummy sauce and cheese
• Italian sausage: Brings bold taste and makes the dish really filling
• Marinara sauce: Forms the main flavor - grab a good quality jar or whip up your own
• Ricotta cheese: Adds that smooth, rich texture and classic Italian vibe
• Mozzarella cheese: Makes those amazing stringy pulls when you dig in
• Parmesan cheese: Tops everything off with its tangy, nutty flavor
• Fresh basil: Lifts the whole dish with its fresh smell and taste
• Italian seasoning: Spreads herby goodness in every mouthful
• Egg: Keeps the ricotta mix together for lovely creamy spots throughout

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pasta:

First, heat your oven to 375°F and coat your baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Cook pasta until it's just firm, about 2 minutes under what the box says. This keeps it from getting mushy while baking. After draining, mix with a bit of olive oil so it doesn't clump together.

Cook the Sausage:

Warm olive oil in a big pan over medium heat till it starts to shimmer. Toss in the Italian sausage and smash it into tiny bits with a wooden spoon. Cook it all the way through until you don't see any pink, around 5-7 minutes. Those little brown bits pack tons of flavor. Make sure to drain off extra fat so your dish isn't greasy.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, mix together ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and some red pepper flakes if you want. This cheese blend makes little pockets of creaminess all through your pasta. Add salt and pepper, but go easy since the cheeses are already a bit salty.

Combine Components:

Softly mix the cooked pasta, cheese blend, sausage, and marinara in a big bowl. Don't stir too hard or you'll break the pasta. Make sure everything's evenly mixed so each serving has all the good stuff.

Assemble and Bake:

Put everything in your baking dish and cover with the leftover mozzarella and Parmesan. This makes that awesome golden cheese crust on top. Bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so it's easier to cut and the flavors can settle.

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My Naples grandma taught me the real trick to amazing baked ziti is using good cheese. She always told me to spend a little more on fresh grated Parmesan instead of the stuff in a shaker. That rich flavor turns this from just okay pasta into something you'll remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish works great for planning ahead. You can put it all together up to 24 hours before you need to bake it. Just wrap it with plastic and pop it in the fridge. When you're ready, take it out about 30 minutes before baking to warm up a bit, then cook as usual, maybe adding 5-10 extra minutes. Leftover ziti stays good for up to 5 days in a sealed container in your fridge. Warm up single portions in the microwave or larger amounts covered in a 350°F oven until hot.

Freezing Instructions

Baked ziti freezes really well, so it's perfect for making extra or giving to friends who need a meal. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze it raw, put everything together but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as normal, adding about 15 minutes. For ziti you've already baked, let it cool completely, cut it into portions, put in freezer containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations and Substitutions

What's great about this baked ziti is how easy it is to switch things up. Want it vegetarian? Swap the sausage for 8 ounces of cooked mushrooms or fake meat. Looking for something different? Try ground beef or turkey instead of sausage. Want it lighter? Go for low-fat mozzarella and ricotta. You can throw in veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

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Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti works best as the main dish with simple sides. Pair it with some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up extra sauce. A fresh green salad with light dressing balances out the rich pasta. For special meals, add some roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts on the side. This dish goes really well with medium red wines like Chianti or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo if you want that true Italian dinner feel.

FAQs About the Recipe

→ Can I use penne instead of ziti?

You bet! Penne works perfectly in this recipe and handles the sauce and cheese mix just as nicely.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can put everything together up until you'd bake it, wrap it well with foil, and keep it in your fridge for a day. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

For sure! You can stash your unbaked or fully cooked ziti in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just warm it up in your oven when you want to eat it.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

It tastes amazing with some crusty garlic bread, a crisp garden salad, or some lightly cooked veggies to round out your meal.

→ Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Definitely! You can swap in ground beef or even ground turkey if you want something with a lighter taste.