Delicious Baked Ziti
This hearty baked ziti recipe layers ziti pasta with rich tomato-sausage sauce and creamy cheese, making it a perfect dish for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce or homemade
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil minced
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, and make sure the rack is positioned in the center.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it's al dente, as per package instructions. Then drain it.
- In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Discard any excess fat.
- Next, add the marinara and tomato sauces, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly, then mix in the cooked ziti along with 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 baking dish.
- Layer the top with slices of fresh mozzarella and the remaining shredded mozzarella, then cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, discard the foil, sprinkle on the Parmesan, and return to bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Finally, serve warm, garnished with chili flakes and fresh basil.
Notes
This baked ziti recipe is filled with layers of flavorful sausage, creamy cheeses, and hearty pasta, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings.
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