Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Baked Ziti, a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. This hearty pasta bake features layers of al dente ziti enveloped in a rich, savory marinara sauce, complemented by crumbled Italian sausage and a generous blend of melted cheeses. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this baked ziti can be frozen for future meals, making it a convenient addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a large group or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Italian classic is bound to satisfy every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz dried ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, about one minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage with olive oil for about 5–6 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cooked pasta into the sausage sauce until well-coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle with half of both cheeses, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for around 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg