Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti pasta, cooked Italian sausage, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 96mg
Sodium: 1187mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or ground turkey can be used instead of Italian sausage.
- Penne pasta or rigatoni can be used instead of ziti pasta.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the tomato sauce.
- Use a combination of different types of cheese, such as fontina, provolone, or cheddar.
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the pasta mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked Italian sausage to a plate, as this will help remove any excess grease.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time if needed.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti with sausage in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little bit of pasta water or tomato sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, broil the dish for a few minutes until golden brown.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the Italian sausage until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and can be customized with various meats and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with sausage as a main dish for dinner or lunch.
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Region: Italian