Baked Ziti with Sausage isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with a variety of benefits that make it a must-have recipe in your kitchen repertoire. Let’s explore why this dish is not only comforting but also a smart choice for home cooks.
Benefits of Baked Ziti with Sausage
1. A Nutritional Powerhouse
- Protein-Rich: The Italian sausage provides a great source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Carbohydrate Energy: The ziti pasta offers a steady source of energy, making it ideal for busy days or family dinners after school or work.
- Calcium and Vitamins: The cheese blend (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) is rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth. Additionally, marinara sauce made from tomatoes contains antioxidants like lycopene, which is great for heart health.
2. Perfect for All Occasions
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy layers paired with flavorful sausage. It’s a great way to bring the family together for a meal.
- Great for Gatherings: The hearty portions make this an ideal dish for potlucks, parties, or holiday dinners. It’s easy to serve and keeps well on a buffet.
3. Easy to Make and Customize
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or preferences. Use turkey sausage for a leaner version, or add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. Want it vegetarian? Swap the sausage for mushrooms or plant-based meat.
4. Budget-Friendly
- This dish uses pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, making it affordable for families. It’s also great for using up leftover cheese or pasta in your kitchen.
5. Time-Saving and Convenient
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the ziti the night before and simply bake when ready. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the assembled dish for up to three months, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
6. Comfort Food at Its Best
- Few dishes are as comforting as baked pasta. The warm, bubbling cheese and savory sausage sauce provide that “hug-in-a-bowl” feeling, especially on cold nights. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is filled with wholesome ingredients.
7. Boosts Culinary Confidence
- Mastering this dish builds cooking skills like making layers, seasoning, and timing in the kitchen. It’s a stepping stone for trying other Italian-inspired recipes.
Baked Ziti with Sausage is more than a meal—it’s a versatile, satisfying dish that’s packed with nutrition, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning ahead, or simply craving something hearty, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Description
Imagine the comforting aroma of Italian sausage, zesty marinara sauce, and bubbling cheese wafting through your kitchen. Baked Ziti with Sausage is more than just a dish—it’s a warm hug on a plate. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and golden, melted mozzarella create a delightful combination that’s both indulgent and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
For the Sauce:
For the Cheese Mixture:
Instructions
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Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti and cook until just al dente (slightly firm). Follow the package instructions for timing.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside
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Step 2: Make the Sausage Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the oregano and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy.
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Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sausage sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the remaining sausage sauce.
- Repeat the layers: pasta, cheese mixture, and sausage sauce.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese generously on top.
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Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 26g52%
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, meaty flavors are irresistible!
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble it the night before and bake when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep—freeze individual portions for easy dinners.
- Customizable: Swap sausage for ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian alternative to fit your preferences.
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Family dinner idea, Baked ziti recipe, Cheesy baked pasta, Cheesy baked pasta
