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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage, Creamy Marinara, and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara and tomato sauces, and creamy cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Featuring layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with a hint of cream and Italian seasoning, this hearty casserole is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, yielding 8 satisfying servings with a comforting homemade flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, or homemade
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, for serving
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center position to ensure even baking.
  2. Cook the ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Cook sausage with onion and garlic: Place a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Cook while breaking up the sausage with a spoon until the meat is browned and the onions become soft, approximately 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and discard to avoid greasiness.
  4. Add sauces and cream: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream into the cooked sausage mixture. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
  5. Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir to evenly coat the pasta.
  6. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
  7. Top with cheeses and bake: Arrange the thin slices of fresh mozzarella over the pasta, then sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  8. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling to perfection.
  9. Serve and garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and sprinkle with red chili flakes and minced fresh basil for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes to taste.
  • Using fresh mozzarella provides a creamier texture; frozen shredded mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
  • Drain excess fat from the sausage to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-creamy-marinara-and-melty-mozzarella-recipe/