Save A comforting Italian-American classic featuring ziti pasta baked with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
This dish has always been a favorite in my family, bringing everyone together around the table with its hearty and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 400 g (14 oz) tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tsp sugar, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cheeses: 250 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 120 g (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 450 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese, 1 large egg
- Fresh Herbs (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add sauce ingredients:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix ricotta mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, half of the Parmesan, and half of the chopped fresh herbs (if using).
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, half of the sausage-tomato sauce, and the ricotta mixture. Mix gently to combine.
- Layer casserole:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers with the rest of the pasta, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with remaining fresh herbs. Serve warm.
Save This recipe has been a staple at our family dinners, creating cherished memories and lots of smiles around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair with Chianti or Sangiovese wines.
Variations
For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella or substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), and egg. Check sausage labels for additional allergens such as soy.
Save This baked ziti is sure to become a new favorite with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ziti with another pasta?
Penne pasta works well as a substitute for ziti, maintaining the dish's texture and layering.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to increase the spice level.
- → What cheeses are best for this dish?
A blend of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan provides creamy texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- → Are there lighter options available?
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella or swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter version.