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Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Sausage
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and oregano. Cook for one minute, then add the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for five minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir the drained ziti into the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Spread half the ziti mixture into a baking dish. Dollop the ricotta over the top in small spoonfuls. Add the remaining ziti mixture.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  • Let the dish rest for five minutes, then scatter fresh basil leaves on top before serving.

Notes

Assemble the full dish up to two days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking so the center heats evenly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last ten minutes. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, Baking Dish