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Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses and Italian Sausage

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt & pepper
  • Cheese Layer:
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes under al dente. Drain.
  3. Brown sausage in skillet. Add onion and garlic.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
  5. Mix ricotta, 1½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
  6. Layer sauce, pasta, cheese mixture, and repeat.
  7. Top with remaining mozzarella.
  8. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more.
  9. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for creamy texture.
  • Let the dish rest before slicing.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts better.