Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

An Irresistible Italian Classic: Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella

Have you ever wondered what makes baked ziti so universally loved? Is it the gooey melted cheese, the savory richness of Italian sausage, or the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta? Despite its reputation as a hearty dish, many shy away from making baked ziti at home due to the misconception that it’s complicated or time-consuming. But with this easy baked ziti with Italian sausage and mozzarella recipe, you’ll have a straightforward, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow recipe that balances bold flavors with effortless preparation.

Ingredients List

To craft this delicious baked ziti, here’s what you’ll need. Each ingredient lists some substitutions if you prefer:

– 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta – you can substitute with penne or rigatoni if needed
– 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage – for a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage; remove casing if pre-packed
– 2 cups marinara sauce – homemade or your favorite store-bought brand works great; for a low-sodium option, consider making your own
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – part-skim mozzarella is a healthier alternative without compromising meltability
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds depth of flavor; can substitute with Pecorino Romano for sharper taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese – optional for extra creaminess; cottage cheese can be used for a lighter texture
– 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic enhances flavor; garlic powder can substitute in a pinch
– 1 small onion, chopped – yellow or white onion preferred; shallots can also work
– 1 tablespoon olive oil – extra virgin preferred for richness; avocado oil is a good alternative
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend – basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary work well
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves (optional) – for garnish and vibrant aroma

This combination ensures every bite is packed with authentic Italian flavor, while offering flexibility to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.

Timing

– Prep time: 15 minutes
– Cook time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 45 minutes

From the moment you start boiling your pasta to the satisfying moment that cheesy golden crust appears from the oven, this recipe progresses swiftly. You’ll relish the aroma of garlic and sausage mingling in the skillet and anticipate the bubbling cheese that signals your baked ziti is ready to be devoured.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta to Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite). Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness during baking. Drain and set aside, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Chef’s tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining. It can be useful to loosen your sauce later.

2. Brown the Italian Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3 minutes). Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, cooking until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Chef’s tip: For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sausage.

3. Combine in a Sauce Pan

Add the marinara sauce to the sausage mixture and stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to achieve your desired consistency. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.

4. Mix Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage marinara sauce, ricotta (if using), half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Chef’s tip: Taste for seasoning at this stage and adjust salt or pepper if necessary.

5. Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Layer the rest of the pasta on top and finish with the remaining cheeses.

6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Chef’s tip: For extra bubbly and browned cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal aroma.

Nutritional Information

– Calories per serving: Approximately 450
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 7g
– Sodium: 650mg

This breakdown is approximate and depends on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

– Swap out Italian sausage for lean turkey or plant-based sausage to reduce saturated fat.
– Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta to boost fiber and nutrients.
– Opt for part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
– Incorporate finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the sauce for extra vitamins and moisture.
– Make your own low-sodium marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic, eliminating added sugars and preservatives.

Serving Suggestions

This baked ziti shines as a main dish but pairs beautifully with fresh green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Here are some creative ideas:

– Serve alongside a crisp arugula and cherry tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
– Complement with garlic bread or cheesy focaccia for an indulgent experience.
– For a seasonal twist, top with a drizzle of pesto or roasted red pepper sauce.
– Pair with a light Italian red wine such as Chianti or Barbera to bring out the sausage’s savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overcooked pasta: Don’t cook ziti fully before baking – al dente means the pasta will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
– Skipping seasoning checks: Italian sausage and sauce can vary in saltiness; always taste and adjust to avoid an over- or under-seasoned dish.
– Not using enough cheese: Baked ziti’s allure comes from its cheesy layers; don’t skimp on mozzarella or Parmesan for best results.
– Baking uncovered from the start: Covering the dish during initial baking keeps the pasta moist and prevents cheese from burning.
– Neglecting to rest: Letting the dish cool slightly after baking allows it to set, making it easier to serve.

Storing Tips

Leftovers store well and can taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave portions with a damp paper towel covering or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered, to maintain moisture.

For longer storage, baked ziti freezes beautifully. Freeze in individual portions or in the whole dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both comforting and packed with Italian flavors. This easy baked ziti with Italian sausage and mozzarella recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Ready to try it out? Head to your kitchen and let us know how it turns out!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day, adding extra time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q2: What can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta. Blend it slightly for a smoother texture.

Q3: Is baked ziti gluten-free?
Traditional ziti pasta contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta varieties to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q4: How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
Make sure to cover the dish with foil during baking and avoid overbaking. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce helps maintain moisture.

Q5: Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.

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Looking for more Italian classics? Check out our Classic Lasagna Recipe or our guide to Making Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce to elevate your dinner nights!