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Baked Ziti with Sausage and Three Cheeses: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe


  • Author: Clara Walker
  • Total Time: 50 minute

Ingredients

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)


Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Baked Ziti with Sausage and Three Cheeses:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Make the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sausage sauce until well coated.

7. Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Then dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the ricotta and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finally, top with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier serving.

10. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a touch of freshness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Fat: 22g
  • Protein: 24g