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:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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!