Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne).; 1 lb Italian sausage.; 1 medium onion, chopped.; 4-5 garlic cloves, minced.; ½ tsp Italian seasoning.; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional).; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes.; 1 cup heavy cream.; ½ tsp salt.; Pepper to taste.; 1 tsp sugar.; 8 oz ricotta cheese.; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 2 cups shredded mozzarella.

This baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing casserole layered with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a blend of three cheeses. The ziti is tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish brings together the best of Italian-American comfort food with ease. Serve with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight is the ultimate comfort food, layered with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and three types of cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for cozy family dinners, it's a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta bake that everyone will love.

INGREDIENTS

Ziti pasta (or penne): 1 lb, cooked 2-3 minutes less than package directions
Italian sausage: 1 lb, adds savory flavor and depth
Onion: 1 medium, chopped for aromatic flavor
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced, adds depth of flavor
Italian seasoning: ½ tsp, enhances Italian flavors
Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (optional), for a subtle heat
Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can, for a rich tomato base
Heavy cream: 1 cup, adds creaminess to the sauce
Salt: ½ tsp, for seasoning
Pepper: to taste, for seasoning
Sugar: 1 tsp, balances acidity of tomatoes
Ricotta cheese: 8 oz, adds creaminess to the casserole
Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, grated, adds sharp, nutty flavor
Mozzarella: 2 cups, shredded, for melty, gooey topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Prepare Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta 2-3 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:: Cook Sausage Mixture: In a large pot, cook sausage and onion until browned (7-10 minutes). Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
Step 3:: Make Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper, and sugar to the sausage mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4:: Assemble Dish: In a 9x13 casserole, layer half the pasta mixture. Spoon ricotta over it for a cheesy layer. Add remaining pasta mixture on top.
Step 5:: Top with Cheese: Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella.
Step 6:: Bake and Broil: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly, then broil until cheese is golden.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.