Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Italian Sausage Baked Ziti, a satisfying dish that brings together rich flavors and cheesy goodness. This delightful baked pasta is layered with savory Italian sausage, zesty marinara sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping, this dish can be assembled ahead of time or frozen for later use. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this Italian classic will impress everyone at the table.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook ziti for one minute less than package instructions; drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; brown the sausage for 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and marinara sauce; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix cooked pasta with the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Layer half the pasta in the baking dish, top with half the cheeses, add remaining pasta, and finish with remaining cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg