Baked Ziti with Sausage and Three Cheeses

Baked Ziti with Sausage, Three Cheeses, and a Sun-Dried Tomato Twist

This unique baked ziti recipe combines the classic flavors of sausage and three cheeses with a touch of Mediterranean sunshine through the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying pasta bake that is sure to please.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30-40 minutes Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then crumble in the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until well combined.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.

Things to avoid:

  • Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.
  • Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so add it towards the end of cooking the onions.
  • Using too much cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can make the dish greasy.
  • Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes: These add a unique flavor and sweetness to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Ziti pasta: Can be substituted with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape.
  • Italian sausage: Can be substituted with ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Can be substituted with roasted red peppers or Kalamata olives.
  • Ricotta cheese: Can be substituted with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.

Enjoy this original and delicious baked ziti recipe!