why make this recipe
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a delicious and hearty dish that brings comfort food to the forefront. It is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or meal prep for the week. The combination of pasta, savory sausage, and rich sauce creates a filling meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be prepared in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
how to make Baked Ziti with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1.25 lbs Sweet Italian Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 25 oz marinara sauce (I used Rao’s)
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (drained and cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously and cook ziti according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a deep skillet with high sides, over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain grease if desired.
- To the cooked sausage, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until mostly tender, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove bay leaves.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and stir to coat. Add in fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to melt slightly.
- Pour into the baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with lightly greased foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.
how to serve Baked Ziti with Sausage
Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage hot from the oven. It goes well with a side salad and some garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
how to store Baked Ziti with Sausage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Baked Ziti with Sausage
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the sausage and marinara sauce, to enhance the flavors.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a nutritional boost.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the sausage with mushrooms or a meat substitute. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Sausage?
Absolutely! Just make sure it is cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, add a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1.25 lbs Sweet Italian Sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 25 oz marinara sauce I used Rao's
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (drained and cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously and cook ziti according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a deep skillet with high sides, over medium-high heat, brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain grease if desired.
- To the cooked sausage, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until mostly tender, about 3 minutes.
Cooking
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove bay leaves.
- Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and stir to coat. Add in fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to melt slightly.
- Pour into the baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with lightly greased foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling.
Serving
- Top with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.