Description
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti dish with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish, set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook until almost al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium. Add the sausage and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, sour cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the mozzarella. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the ricotta mixture until fully combined.
- Drain the cooked ziti and add it to the sauce, tossing well to coat. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
- Combine the remaining 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese with the Parmesan cheese and distribute evenly over the top.
- Place the dish, uncovered, on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg