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Comforting Baked Ziti Recipe with Three Cheeses and Italian Sausage

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A simple, hearty baked ziti with three cheeses and Italian sausage that’s perfect for easy family dinners and busy weeknights. This comforting dish combines mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan with savory sausage for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled (sweet or spicy)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces / 225 g)
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (about 375 g), whole milk ricotta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g), freshly grated
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper and stir until creamy and well blended.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with marinara sauce and the sausage mixture. Fold gently until pasta is evenly coated.
  7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over it, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella on top.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the top cheese browns too fast, tent loosely with foil. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick after mixing. Let the dish rest before serving for easier portioning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and sausage alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, three cheese baked pasta, easy family dinner, comfort food, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, baked pasta recipe

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/comforting-baked-ziti-recipe-with-three-cheeses-and-italian-sausage-perfect-for-easy-family-dinners/