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Baked Ziti

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650
A comforting baked pasta dish with sausage, cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings & Sauces

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar (see note)

Cheese

  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella

For serving

  • to taste chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375F. Cook pasta 2-3 minutes less than package instructions, then drain.
  • Cook sausage and onion until browned, then add garlic, seasonings, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper, and sugar; heat for 5 minutes.
  • Combine pasta with sauce, layer half in a casserole, dollop ricotta, then top with remaining pasta and sprinkle cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes and broil until bubbly and browned.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for best flavor and keep an eye on the cheese during broiling to prevent burning.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta