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Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

This classic Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich sausage and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect as a hearty family dinner or to prepare ahead for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb Ziti or Penne noodles
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves minced garlic (1 heaping Tablespoon)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped, about 1 cup)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (Sweet or Mild)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 29 oz tomato sauce
  • 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil (loosely packed)

Cheeses

  • 1 heaping cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside to prepare the pasta and sauce.
  2. Cook and Rinse Pasta: Cook the ziti or penne noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. After draining, toss the noodles with two teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook Aromatics: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown Sausage and Season: Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is mostly browned, add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and undrained diced tomatoes. Add the granulated sugar and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
  6. Add Fresh Basil: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the thinly sliced fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
  7. Layer Sauce and Pasta: Spread a few spoonfuls of the sauce lightly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add half of the noodles, spreading them evenly. Top with half of the remaining sauce and carefully spread it over the noodles.
  8. Add Ricotta and Remaining Layers: Evenly dollop the ricotta cheese over the sauce layer. Then add the remaining noodles on top, followed by the remaining sauce spread evenly over.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake Covered: Lightly grease a piece of foil with butter or olive oil and cover the casserole dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  11. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
  12. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to rest briefly, then serve warm and enjoy your hearty baked ziti!

Notes

  • Use mild or sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor; spicy sausage can be used for heat.
  • If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried basil added earlier in the sauce.
  • To prevent the pasta from sticking, ensure it is well drained and tossed with olive oil after cooking.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, sausage pasta bake, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/baked-ziti-recipe/