Best 12 Baked Ziti And Sausage Recipes

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Baked ziti and sausage is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its flavorful combination of ziti pasta, Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, this hearty casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe includes variations for preparing the dish with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a spicy Arrabiata sauce, offering a range of flavors to suit different preferences. Additionally, there are tips for customizing the recipe with your favorite ingredients, such as adding vegetables, different types of cheese, or herbs. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this versatile recipe provides all the necessary steps and variations to create a delicious and satisfying baked ziti and sausage dish.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti and Sausage image

This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.-Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups uncooked ziti or other small tube pasta
1/2 pound Italian sausage links
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Paprika

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; place in a large bowl. In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and cut into 1/2-in. slices., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and remaining Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Add sausage to the remaining pasta mixture; spoon over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts :

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE MEATBALLS AND SPINACH



Baked Ziti With Sausage Meatballs and Spinach image

Baked ziti is meant to feed a crowd, and this one surely does. "Cheater" meatballs made with uncased Italian sausage are strewn throughout the sauce for heft, and baby spinach lends a pop of color. Because ricotta has a tendency to dry out when baked, crème fraîche is added to ensure a more velvety texture, but sour cream thinned out with a little heavy cream works just as well. The whole dish can be assembled and baked ahead the day before. Bring it to room temperature before warming, then broil right before serving for crisp edges.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound sweet Italian sausage (pork, turkey or chicken), casing removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 (28-ounce) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices
5 ounces baby spinach
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound ziti, penne or other short, tubular pasta
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta
7 ounces crème fraîche (about 1 scant cup)
1 cup grated pecorino
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut or torn into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Using your hands, shape the sausage into about 35 (1-inch) meatballs.
  • In a deep 12-inch skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium. Working in two batches, fry the meatballs until golden all over, about 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or platter. Cook the onion until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, gently crushing them. Stir in the meatballs, bring to a simmer and cook, 20 minutes. Gently fold in the spinach, tossing until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until 2 to 3 minutes short of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain pasta.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, crème fraîche and half the pecorino. Season with salt and pepper. Stir half the meatball sauce into the ricotta mixture. Add pasta and toss together to coat. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish that's at least 2 1/2 inches deep. Top with the remaining meatball sauce, the mozzarella and the remaining pecorino. Place uncovered baking dish on a sheet tray and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Turn heat to broil and cook until the cheese and pasta brown in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. (Don't walk away; the cheese can burn very quickly!) Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 567, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

BAKED ZITI WITH SPICY PORK AND SAUSAGE RAGù



Baked Ziti with Spicy Pork and Sausage Ragù image

How to Make Baked Ziti with Spicy Pork and Sausage Ragù

Categories     Garlic     Pasta     Pork     Tomato     Sauté     Super Bowl     Mozzarella     Bacon     Carrot     Red Wine     Winter     Thyme     Potluck     Simmer     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta,* chopped
2 pounds Boston butt (pork shoulder), cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
1 pound Italian hot sausages, casings removed
2 cups chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
6 large fresh thyme sprigs
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
2 cups dry red wine
1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes in juice, tomatoes chopped, juice reserved
1 1/4 pounds ziti pasta
2 cups (packed) coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and sauté until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to bowl. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Add half of pork to drippings in pot; sauté until brown, about 7 minutes. Transfer to bowl with pancetta. Repeat with remaining pork. Add sausage to same pot. Sauté until no longer pink, breaking up with back of fork, about 5 minutes. Add onions, carrots, celery, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add wine and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Add pancetta and pork with any accumulated juices; boil 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with juice. Cover and cook until pork is very tender, adjusting heat as needed to maintain gentle simmer and stirring occasionally, about 2 hours.
  • Uncover pot; tilt to 1 side and spoon off fat from surface of ragù. Gently press pork pieces with back of fork to break up meat coarsely. Season ragù to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)
  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish or other 4-quart baking dish. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta; mix into ragù. Season mixture to taste with salt and pepper; transfer to prepared dish. Sprinkle both cheeses over. Bake until heated through and golden, about 20 minutes.
  • *Pancetta (Italian bacon cured in salt) is available at Italian markets and in the refrigerated deli case of many supermarkets.

BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH, SAUSAGE, AND MOZZARELLA



Baked Ziti With Spinach, Sausage, and Mozzarella image

Make and share this Baked Ziti With Spinach, Sausage, and Mozzarella recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     Penne

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 lb hot Italian turkey sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/4 cup pesto sauce
10 ounces ziti pasta, cooked
8 ounces fresh spinach leaves, chopped (stems removed)
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (3 ounces)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, and garlic, and saute until sausage cooked through, about 10 minutes, breaking up meat with back of spoon. Add tomatoes with juice to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Lightly oil 13 x 9 glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Mix gently until spinach is wilted. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over top. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheese melt, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.1, Fat 12.9, SaturatedFat 6.7, Cholesterol 50.4, Sodium 749.9, Carbohydrate 36.2, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 6, Protein 22.5

BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti and Sausage Casserole image

This recipe was taken from McCall's magazine years ago, it has remained a family favorite for years! you can use ricotta cheese in place of the cottage cheese if desired.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Pork

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta
3 tablespoons oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!)
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional)
1/4 cup flour
seasoning salt or white salt
black pepper
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 (1 lb) carton cream-style cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper
1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
paprika

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until JUST tender (do not over-cook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven!).
  • Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
  • Heat oil; add in the sausage meat and cook until browned, remove to a plate.
  • For the white sauce; melt butter in a medium saucepan; add the onion, garlic and cayenne pepper if using) saute for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in flour and whisk for 1 minute.
  • Slowly add in half and half cream; bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
  • Remove from heat; add in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, then season with seasoned salt (or white salt) and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the bowl; mix with a wooden spoon.
  • In a medium bowl mix together the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg and chopped parsley, then season with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Spoon HALF of the creamed ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, then spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
  • Sprinkle the cooked sausage meat on the top.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle paprika on top.
  • Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
  • Let stand about 5 or more minutes before serving.

BAKED ZITI WITH TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti With Tomato, Mozzarella and Sausage image

I was horrified one night to discover I had misplaced this recipe, and had to go without. So, here it is for safekeeping. Recipe originally from Fine Cooking. Although it claims to serve four, it seems to make an incredible amount. I freeze half of what it makes before baking, to be enjoyed another evening.

Provided by skat5762

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

olive oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, cut into small dice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 lbs hot Italian sausage, removed from its casing and crumbled
salt & freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 (35 ounce) can plum tomatoes, chopped, with their juice
4 medium tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh marjoram (from about 6 large sprigs) or 1/4 cup oregano (from about 6 large sprigs)
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated mild pecorino cheese
1 pinch nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 lb ziti pasta
1/2-1 lb mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh, cut into small cubes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lightly oil a large, shallow baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and crumbled sausage; saute until the sausage begins to brown.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • If the sausage renders a lot of fat, pour most of it off leaving a little to add flavor to the sauce.
  • Add the red wine; boil until it is almost gone.
  • Add the tomatoes with all of their juices and cook, uncovered, at a lively simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly.
  • Add the marjoram or oregano and taste for seasoning.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix together ricotta, about half the grated pecorino, the nutmeg, and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente.
  • Drain well and toss it with the ricotta mixture until well coated.
  • Add the sausage and sauce and mix again.
  • Add the mozzarella and toss gently.
  • Pour everything into the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Pecorino on top.
  • Bake uncovered until lightly browned and bubbling, about 20 minutes.
  • Serve right away.

SAUSAGE-AND-PEPPER BAKED ZITI



Sausage-And-Pepper Baked Ziti image

Make and share this Sausage-And-Pepper Baked Ziti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by aggiebarnes

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 lbs sweet Italian sausage or 1 1/2 lbs hot Italian sausage links, cut crosswise into 1-inch chunks
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 large green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
28 ounces whole tomatoes in puree
15 ounces tomato puree
1 teaspoon salt
16 ounces ziti pasta
8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/4 cup romano cheese

Steps:

  • In a deep nonstick 12" skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minute.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Discard all but 2 T sausage fat. Add garlic, pepper and onion to sausage in skillet; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 10 minute Stir in whole tomatoes, tomato puree and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minute.
  • Meanwhile preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 2 min less than cooking time recommended on label.
  • Drain pasta and return to pot; stir in sausage mixture to coat. Add mozzarella and toss to combine. Transfer pasta mixture to an ungreased 9x13" baking dish and spread it out evenly; sprinkle with grated cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, until top browns and sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minute Let stand 10 min before serving.

ROUND 2 RECIPE - SAUSAGE AND PEPPER BAKED ZITI



Round 2 Recipe - Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 46m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Cooking spray
1/2 (16-ounce) package ziti
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Reserved sausage and pepper skewers, from Sausage and Pepper recipe
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan lightly with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook for about 6 minutes. It should be a little less than al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and saute until slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning and cook for another 5 minutes. Chop the reserved sausage and peppers and add them to the skillet to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the prepared baking pan. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

BAKED ZITI AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti and Italian Sausage image

This is different from the other Baked Ziti's posted....it has no tomato sauce or tomatoes! I have to admit, I sometimes increase the sausage to 1 1/2 lbs, especially if I have a teenage boy eating!

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Pork

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (16 ounce) carton ricotta cheese (may use small-curd cottage cheese instead)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 oz)
paprika

Steps:

  • Cook the ziti according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  • Cook the sausage links in oil in a large skillet for 15 minutes or until browned over medium heat; reduce heat if necessary to keep them from burning. Drain well on paper towels. Slice the sausage diagonally and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Add the ziti; stir well, and set aside.
  • Combine the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg, parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Stir well.
  • Place half of the macaroni mixture in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the sausage. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sausages. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and paprika.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

PERFECT POTLUCK DISH SAUSAGE AND PEPPER BAKED ZITI



Perfect Potluck Dish Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti image

Both kids and adults will dive into this new twist on baked ziti. If you like, assemble it up to one day ahead, refrigerate and bake just before serving. If you make it the day before you will have to adjust the baking time. I have taken this to our church potluck dinners. The recipe is always requested. Enjoy!

Provided by jrbennett

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links or 1 1/2 lbs hot Italian sausage links, cut crosswise into one inch chunks
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large bell peppers, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 large onion, cut croswise and then cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 lb ziti pasta or 1 lb penne pasta
1 (8 ounce) package part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup freshly grated romano cheese

Steps:

  • Prepare sauce. In deep nonstick 12 inch skillet cook sausage over medium heat 5 minutes or until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Discard all but two tablespoons sausage fat.
  • To sausage in skillet add garlic, peppers and onion
  • Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in whole tomatoes,tomato sauce, salt,oregano and basil.
  • Heat to boiling over medium heat breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile preheat oven to 400.
  • Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat.
  • Add pasta; cook 2 minutes less than cooking time recommended on label.
  • Drain well.
  • Combine vegetables with pasta.
  • Pour into 9 x 13 greased pan. Spread mozzarellacubes on top.
  • Bake 30 minutes.
  • Before serving sprinkle romano cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.2, Fat 26.3, SaturatedFat 10.9, Cholesterol 65.1, Sodium 1563.8, Carbohydrate 48.1, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 7.2, Protein 29.9

SAUSAGE AND PEPPER BAKED ZITI



SAUSAGE AND PEPPER BAKED ZITI image

Categories     Pasta     Bake     Quick & Easy

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 oz. uncooked ziti
2 tsp oil
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
1 medium oniom, chopped
12oz. Italian or Turkey sausage (4 links)
1 cup part-skim mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 cups marinara sauce (from a 24- or 26-oz jar)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400*F Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water as package directs for al dente or firm texture. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add peppers, onion and sausage;cook 6 minutes or until sausage is browned. Remove from heat; cut sausage into 1/4-inch slices. Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 Tbsp Parmesan and the parsley in a large bowl.Drain pasta, toss with cheese mixture, sausage mixture and 1 cup marinara sauce. Pour pasta mixture into a 2-qt shallow baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce on top;sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until bubbly.

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE AND PEPPERONI RECIPE - (4.7/5)



Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pepperoni Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by CarlaKay

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 ounces thin-sliced pepperoni
1/2 pound italian sausage, casing removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes with their juice (one 16-ounce can)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh basil
1/2 pound ziti
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup shredded parmesan
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large frying pan, sauté the pepperoni over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off the fat from the pan and wipe the pan clean. In the same pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in the sausage and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, breaking them up. Add the salt,oregano, and basil, cover, and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the ziti until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain and toss with the sauce, the pepperoni, and the parsley. Top with the mozzarella and finish with the parmesan. Cover and bake about 30 minutes or until cheeses are melted and bubbly.

Tips:

  • Use a large pot to cook the pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
  • Cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have Italian sausage, you can use ground beef or pork.
  • Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is cooked through.
  • Drain the sausage and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they are softened.
  • Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the cooked sausage and pasta and mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  • Top with mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake the ziti at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With its combination of pasta, sausage, cheese, and tomato sauce, it is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give baked ziti a try.

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