Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of Italian Sausage Baked Ziti, a classic Italian-American dish that brings together layers of al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual dinners. With its simple preparation and freezer-friendly nature, you can whip up this hearty casserole ahead of time and enjoy it later. Customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personal touch. Dive into the deliciousness that is Italian Sausage Baked Ziti today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz dried ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine cooked ziti with the sauce mixture until well-coated.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish, followed by half of the mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving; garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg