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–+ servings

Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese

Rose
This easy baked ziti with sausage and cheese is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with tender pasta, savory sausage, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and layers of melted cheese. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • baking dish
  • colander
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or mild)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces, until fully browned. Transfer sausage to a plate, leaving drippings in the pan.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Pecorino Romano, and fresh basil. Add the cooked sausage back to the sauce and mix well.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish, top with half the mozzarella, then add remaining pasta and finish with remaining cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta very al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set. Cover loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword baked ziti with cheese, baked ziti with sausage, classic baked ziti, easy baked ziti
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