Description
A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of ziti and cook until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add 1 finely chopped small onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the sausage. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and optional ¼ tsp red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl or pot, mix the cooked ziti with the sausage tomato sauce. Add half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and half of the grated Parmesan (¼ cup), stirring gently.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top.
- Serve warm, optionally with a green salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Do not overcook pasta before baking to avoid mushiness. Browning sausage properly enhances flavor. For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after simmering. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispy top, watching carefully to avoid burning. Balance acidic sauce with a pinch of sugar or balsamic vinegar. Leftovers reheat well in oven or microwave. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Protein: 22
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, mozzarella, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, weeknight meal