Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti, a comforting and satisfying dish that perfectly combines hearty Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This baked pasta dish is not only easy to prepare but also makes a fantastic meal for gatherings and cozy family dinners. Whether you're enjoying it fresh out of the oven or saving some for later, this ziti is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this cheesy delight!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (Cooked al dente)
Italian sausage
1 lb (Cooked and chopped)
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (Container)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Pasta sauce
28 ounces (Jar, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the ziti according to the package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.
4
Add the cooked Italian sausage and ziti pasta to the ricotta mixture, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
5
Pour in 3/4 of the pasta sauce and mix until everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Top the ziti with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
If you want to freeze leftovers, cover the dish with foil and freeze for later use. Once frozen, you can remove it from the container and transfer it to a freezer bag if desired.
10
To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish, and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti?
The main protein in this dish is 1 lb of cooked and chopped Italian sausage.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How much ziti pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ziti pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked before baking?
The ziti should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
What ingredients are in the ricotta mixture?
The mixture includes 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, which is divided during the process.
Is an egg used in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is mixed into the ricotta cheese preparation.
How much pasta sauce is used?
The recipe uses a 28-ounce jar of pasta sauce.
How is the pasta sauce divided during assembly?
3/4 of the sauce is mixed into the pasta and cheese mixture, and the remaining 1/4 is spread on top.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish should be used.
How long does the ziti need to bake?
The ziti should bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do you know when the baked ziti is finished cooking?
It is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can cover the dish with foil and freeze it; once frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer bag.
How do I thaw the frozen casserole?
Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What is the process for reheating the dish?
Preheat the oven to 350°F, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes.
Is Parmesan cheese included in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ziti is traditional, you can substitute other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a fantastic meal for gatherings and cozy family dinners.
What is the preparation for the Italian sausage?
The sausage should be cooked and chopped before being added to the mixture.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should use a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a cheesy pasta bake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheesy pasta, baked ziti, italian dish, comfort food, pasta bake, and casserole.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, it can be assembled and frozen or refrigerated before the final baking step.
How is the final layer assembled?
The top is spread with the remaining pasta sauce and sprinkled with the rest of the mozzarella.
Is the mozzarella shredded?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for shredded mozzarella cheese.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
The provided ingredient list does not explicitly mention salt and pepper, but they can be added to taste.
Can I use spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
What is the description of this dish?
It is a rich, comforting dish that combines hearty Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese.