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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 Inch Baking Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  • Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Season with salt and black pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of the sausage sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Add half the cooked ziti, then dollop half the ricotta over the pasta. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after baking. For a spicier version, swap in hot Italian sausage. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days and reheat best in a 350°F oven to restore the crisp cheese topping.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, 9x13 Inch Baking Dish, Oven