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Cheesy Baked Ziti

Category: Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion

Cheesy ziti layered with sausage, rich ricotta, and a mix of cheeses, baked till bubbling and golden. Coated in a creamy tomato sauce, it's a cozy meal everyone will love. Add salad and garlic bread to make it complete.

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Mena
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:20:37 GMT
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My Three-Cheese Pasta Casserole combines gooey cheeses with spicy sausage and tender ziti for a comforting dinner that'll warm your soul. It's loaded with rich flavors and makes a filling family meal that brings everyone rushing to the table.

INGREDIENTS
  • Penne or ziti pasta: 1 lb, slightly undercooked (about 2-3 minutes less than box says)
  • Garlic: 4-5 cloves, finely chopped for fantastic flavor
  • Salt: ½ tsp, brings out all the tastes
  • Ricotta cheese: 8 oz, creates a velvety middle layer
  • Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (if you want), gives a nice kick
  • Italian sausage: 1 lb, makes everything taste better
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup, makes the sauce super smooth
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can, forms the sauce base
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced for sweetness
  • Sugar: 1 tsp, cuts the tomato tang
  • Pepper: to taste, perks everything up
  • Mozzarella: 2 cups, shredded for that awesome stretchy top
  • Italian seasoning: ½ tsp, ties all flavors together
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated for that fancy finish
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 6:
Finish It Off: Pop in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes till bubbling, then switch to broil until the cheese turns golden and beautiful.
Step 5:
Cheese Time: Scatter Parmesan and mozzarella all over the top.
Step 4:
Put It Together: In a 9x13 baking dish, spread half your pasta mix. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta throughout. Pour remaining pasta on top.
Step 3:
Create Sauce: Pour in the tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper, and sugar with your meat mix. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Cook Meat Mix: In a big pot, brown the sausage with onion until done (about 7-10 minutes). Toss in garlic, Italian herbs, and pepper flakes and cook another minute.
Step 1:
Get Pasta Ready: Turn oven to 375°F. Cook pasta a bit less than normal. Drain and set it aside.
Serving and Storage Tips
  • This tastes amazing with a green salad and some crusty bread on the side.
  • Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Just warm up in the microwave or oven till hot.
Helpful Notes
  • You can swap ziti for penne if that's what you've got in your pantry.
  • Want more spice? Just add extra red pepper or go for hot Italian sausage instead.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Try using half sweet and half hot sausage for amazing flavor balance.
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Cheesy Baked Ziti

Simple and hearty ziti dish with sausage, creamy ricotta, and lots of melted cheese! Perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 7 Servings (One big 9x13 dish.)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb Italian sausage links.
02 1 pound of ziti or penne pasta.
03 1 medium onion, diced.
04 4-5 minced garlic cloves.
05 1 teaspoon of sugar.
06 1/2 a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs.
07 A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
08 1 cup of shredded Parmesan.
09 8 ounces of creamy ricotta cheese.
10 1 cup heavy cream.
11 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
12 Salt, 1/2 teaspoon.
13 Freshly cracked pepper, as needed.
14 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded.

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven at 375°F. Boil the pasta but pull it out 2-3 minutes before it's fully done. Drain and let it sit.

Step 02

Heat up a big pot and cook the sausage with diced onions. Stir until golden (7-10 minutes). Toss in garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute.

Step 03

Pour crushed tomatoes, cream, sugar, salt, and pepper into your sausage mix. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.

Step 04

Use a 9x13 pan. Start with half the pasta mix. Add dollops of ricotta across the top. Cover it with the other half of your pasta mixture.

Step 05

Top it all with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 06

Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbly. Then broil for a couple of minutes to give the top that golden edge. Dig in and enjoy.

Notes

  1. This gooey baked pasta is a warm crowd-pleaser, ideal for any shared meal.
  2. You can spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes, or skip it entirely if you'd like.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fats: 40 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Proteins: 30 g