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Baked Ziti with Sausage

Ziti, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce and creamy ricotta under a mountain of melted mozzarella. The dish that gets requested again and again!
Print Recipe
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 can can crushed tomatoecrushed tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Bowl
  • 9x13 baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti until just al dente; drain.
  2. Brown the sausage with the onion in a large skillet, breaking it up. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan.
  5. Toss the pasta with the sausage sauce and the ricotta mixture. Spread in a 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let rest 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

  • Cook the pasta just shy of done — it finishes in the oven and soaks up all that saucy goodness!