Cheesy Baked Ziti (Print)
Simple and hearty ziti dish with sausage, creamy ricotta, and lots of melted cheese! Perfect for weeknights.
# 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:
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.
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.
03 -
Pour crushed tomatoes, cream, sugar, salt, and pepper into your sausage mix. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
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.
05 -
Top it all with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
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:
01 -
This gooey baked pasta is a warm crowd-pleaser, ideal for any shared meal.
02 -
You can spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes, or skip it entirely if you'd like.