Cheesy Baked Ziti

A hearty dish that promises to delight pasta lovers. Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian classic, renowned for its delectable combination of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a generous amount of melted cheese. This mouthwatering ensemble of flavors is baked to perfection, creating a gooey, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pasta experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply craving a comforting and flavorful meal, our Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate pasta indulgence. Dive into a bowl of this delightful Italian creation and let its warmth and heartiness envelop your taste buds in pure culinary bliss.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 500 grams Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant.
5. Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
6. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked sausage, stirring to combine all the flavors. Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is coated with the cheeses.
8. In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti pasta mixture at the bottom. Pour half of the sausage marinara sauce over the pasta.
9. Create another layer with the remaining ziti pasta mixture and top it with the rest of the sausage marinara sauce.
10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, creating a luscious and cheesy crust.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.
13. Garnish the Satisfying Cheesy Baked Ziti with fresh basil leaves before serving.