Ziti Sausage Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 small onion, finely chopped.
02 -
1 lb ground Italian sausage.
03 -
16 oz ziti noodles.
04 -
28 oz jar of marinara or pasta sauce.
05 -
14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes, undrained.
06 -
2 tsp of dried Italian herbs.
07 -
1/2 cup of water.
08 -
15 oz container of ricotta cheese.
09 -
1 large egg, beaten.
10 -
2 tbsp of fresh parsley, minced.
11 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
12 -
2 cups of mozzarella, shredded.
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish (9x13-inches).
02 -
Brown your sausage and onion in a pan over medium heat, then drain the grease.
03 -
Mix in the marinara, canned tomatoes (with their liquid), water, and the Italian herbs. Let it simmer for around 12 minutes.
04 -
Boil the ziti in salted water till it's tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly.
05 -
Combine ricotta, the egg, chopped parsley, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella in a bowl.
06 -
Spoon 1 cup of sauce into your baking dish to coat the bottom. Spread half the pasta on top, add all the ricotta mix, and then layer on half of the remaining sauce.
07 -
Cover with the rest of the pasta, pour over the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the top with the leftover mozzarella.
08 -
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbly and goldenbrown.
# Notes:
01 -
Spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes could kick up the flavor.
02 -
Prep this ahead—assemble it early and bake it later.
03 -
Pair this with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.