Print

Savory Baked Ziti with Spicy Italian Sausage

savory baked ziti - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting baked ziti featuring spicy Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella, delivering a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors in a quick and easy casserole.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, torn (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti and cook until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a bowl, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the drained ziti, browned sausage, and sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scatter half of the fresh mozzarella over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
  8. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh torn basil leaves on top for garnish.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds up better in the bake. Browning sausage properly adds depth of flavor. Use fresh mozzarella packed in water and drain well to avoid excess moisture. Cover with foil during initial baking to keep moisture, then remove foil to brown cheese. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water before baking. Leftovers reheat best covered in oven to keep cheese melty.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, spicy Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, casserole

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-baked-ziti-with-spicy-italian-sausage-easy-homemade-recipe/