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Baked Ziti

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This baked ziti is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole packed with savory sausage, creamy tomato sauce, herbs, and layers of melted cheese. It is a hearty family-style meal perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ziti noodles
  • 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese), divided
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
  • 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti noodles and cook according to package directions until very al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
  3. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  4. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until softened but not browned, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  6. Add the heavy cream, 1/3 cup pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil to the sauce. Stir until combined.
  7. Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine.
  8. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the remaining pecorino Romano.
  9. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and pecorino Romano.
  10. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned. Garnish with additional basil before serving.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, use sweet Italian sausage and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute Parmigiano Reggiano for pecorino Romano.
  • Cook the pasta slightly under al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for easy meals.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/baked-ziti/