Richer Italian Baked Ziti with Spicy Sausage
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this authentic Italian Baked Ziti, a dish that seamlessly combines al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, homemade tomato sauce. With layers of gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan on top, this hearty meal will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for family, this beloved recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Serve it hot with garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce, and watch as friends and family come back for seconds!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
2 lbs (removed from casing)
Ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 lb (cooked to al dente)
Tomato sauce
500 g (homemade or store-bought)
Mozzarella cheese
3 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Dried basil
3 tablespoons (measured)
Dried rosemary
1 tablespoon (measured)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (measured)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (measured)
Red chili peppers
2 (whole)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (for cooking)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, dried rosemary, dried oregano, sugar, and dried basil. Add the whole red chili peppers for a kick of heat.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about one hour. Once done, remove the chili peppers and set the sauce aside.
3
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as it will continue to cook during baking.
4
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the cooked sausage along with the oil into the pot with the marinara sauce. Stir to combine the flavors beautifully.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 baking pan, add the cooked pasta and pour the sausage and sauce mixture over it. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
7
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
To prevent the cheese from sticking, cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
10
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to set for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time will help the ziti hold its shape.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Baked Ziti?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of Italian sausage, removed from the casing and crumbled for a savory flavor.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The tomato sauce, combined with herbs and chili peppers, should simmer for about one hour.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the baking pan inside.
What types of pasta can be used for this recipe?
While ziti is traditional, you can also use penne or rigatoni pasta.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
This recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a generous topping.
Why are whole red chili peppers added to the sauce?
They are added to provide a kick of heat during the simmering process and should be removed before serving.
How long do I cook the pasta before baking?
Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is the ideal size for this amount of pasta and sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This hearty Baked Ziti recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Which dried herbs are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 3 tablespoons of dried basil, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Why is sugar added to the tomato sauce?
One tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
What kind of oil is used to brown the sausage?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil to cook and brown the crumbled sausage.
Should I cover the pan while baking?
Yes, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from sticking and burning.
When do I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after the first 30 minutes and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Why does the dish need to rest for 10 minutes after baking?
Resting allows the ziti to set, which helps the pasta hold its shape when it is served.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese to be sprinkled over the top.
What is the amount of tomato sauce needed?
You will need 500 grams of tomato sauce, which can be either homemade or store-bought.
How long should the Italian sausage be cooked in the skillet?
Cook the crumbled sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
When should the red chili peppers be removed?
Remove the chili peppers after the sauce has finished its one-hour simmer and before mixing with the pasta.
What is the total baking time for the ziti?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
Serving it with garlic bread is recommended to soak up the extra sauce.
How do I prepare the Italian sausage for this recipe?
Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it into the skillet before cooking.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of measured dried basil.
Is the sausage fat drained?
The recipe suggests adding the cooked sausage along with the oil into the pot with the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Combine the tomato sauce, rosemary, oregano, sugar, basil, and chili peppers in a large pot and bring to a boil.
How much dried rosemary is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of measured dried rosemary.
How do I know when the ziti is done baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese is perfectly melted and has turned slightly golden brown.
How much dried oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of measured dried oregano.
Should the pasta be tossed with the sauce?
Yes, after adding the sauce to the pan with the pasta, toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.
What gives this dish its 'richer' flavor?
The combination of Italian sausage, 3 cups of mozzarella, and a slow-simmered herb sauce creates a rich, indulgent flavor.