Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage (45-55 Minutes)

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This baked ziti is a hearty, satisfying dish that comes together quickly. It’s all about the perfect blend of zesty marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage, and melted cheese. When you’re craving Italian flavors in a low-fuss way, this recipe can be your go-to! 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Pour half of the sausage and marinara sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
  7. Add the pasta and cheese mixture on top of the sauce layer.
  8. Pour the remaining sausage and marinara sauce over the pasta.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and shaved Parmesan.

Notes

Choose good-quality Italian sausage, as it’s a key flavor component of the dish. You can opt for sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference. Make sure not to overcook the ziti during the initial boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Customize your baked ziti by adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. For a slightly lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and lean Italian sausage. If you like it spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

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