This dish blends the textures and tastes of al dente ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, and creamy cheeses all smothered in a rich marinara sauce. A favorite for any gathering, each layer gets a precise treatment to combine into a bubbling, golden brown spectacle of comfort food. Tips include sautéing the sausage to a perfect crisp, cooking pasta to remain firm in the bake, and layering components for even flavor in each forkful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly spread the mixture and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven before serving.
Keywords: Ziti, Cheese, Baked, Main Dish, Italian
Spice Rack: Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning
Chopped is powered by people alongside Cookie, our AI sous-chef. Every cook and kitchen is unique, so be sure to check seasoning, temperature, and cook time as you go. Consult packaging for dietary information and always follow food safety guidelines.
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