Cheesy Baked Ziti Italian Sausage (Printable Version)
Pasta layered with sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella, baked golden for an easy, hearty meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
02 - 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
03 - 2 cups marinara sauce
04 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
05 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked ziti pasta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
02 - Transfer the prepared pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the top.
03 - Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
04 - Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set. Portion and enjoy.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge
- Bakes fast so it is dinner on the table in less than an hour
- Full of gooey cheese and savory sausage that makes each bite irresistible
- You can make it ahead for busy nights or hungry guests
02 -
- Packed with protein and calcium from sausage and all that cheese
- Perfect candidate for meal prep just assemble and stash in the fridge or freezer
- A winning crowd pleaser that never fails to get the table talking
03 -
- Do not overcook your pasta or it will turn mushy after baking
- Mix some mozzarella into the pasta for extra cheese flavor in every bite not just on top
- Let the ziti rest before serving so it sets up and you get clean beautiful servings