Save A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.
This dish has been a staple in our household for years and never fails to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) tomato passata or marinara sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cheeses: 250 g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese shredded, 120 g (4 oz) ricotta cheese, 60 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh Herbs (optional): 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through about 5 7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Add tomato passata tomato paste oregano basil red pepper flakes (if using) salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked ziti sausage sauce ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer half the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture then top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let cool for 5 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Save This recipe has brought many family gatherings to life with delicious aromas and happy smiles at the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Mixing bowl 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish Aluminum foil Cheese grater Knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and possibly egg (in some pasta brands) Contains pork (in standard Italian sausage) Check sausage and cheese labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 610 Total Fat 30 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 31 g per serving
Save This baked ziti is the perfect comfort food that delivers flavor and satisfaction every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Ziti is preferred for its tubular shape, but penne or rigatoni can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the Italian sausage or substitute with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → How do I ensure the pasta is perfectly cooked?
Cook the pasta until just al dente so it holds shape during baking without becoming mushy.
- → What cheeses are used for layering?
Ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan provide a melted, golden topping.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- → What herbs complement the flavors?
Fresh parsley or basil garnish adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.