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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage sauce mixture.
  • Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta, then stir gently to distribute. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, brown the sausage well before adding the sauce. Leftovers reheat nicely in a covered dish at 350 degrees. If you prefer a milder taste, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large pot, Large skillet, Baking dish