Welcome to this delicious Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage recipe! Imagine perfectly al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese all baked together under a blanket of melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make Italian-inspired comfort dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or Sunday suppers. Let’s dive into the detailed steps and tips to master this irresistible meal.
Introduction
Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings the warmth and flavors of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. Featuring layers of pasta, tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly browned sausage, this casserole-style recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just want a comforting meal, this recipe is your go-to option for its rich taste and versatility. Try serving it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!
Ingredients for Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage
Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy delight:
- 1 lb dried ziti pasta (or any other short tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casings removed)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion (diced into ¼-inch pieces)
- 2 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves (or 2 tsp dried oregano)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- ½-1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine (such as Chianti)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (or thinly sliced Swiss chard leaves)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt (plus more for seasoning pasta water)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, divided)
- 1 lemon (zested, about 1-2 tsp)
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded or ripped)
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
- Gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Non-dairy ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative.
How to Make Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage
Step1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (typically 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Step2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. This should take about 4-6 minutes.
Step3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add Onions & Garlic: Add diced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices & Tomato Paste: Stir in oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step4: Create the Sauce
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits.
- Add Tomatoes: Once the wine reduces by half, add the crushed tomatoes. Stir until well combined.
Step5: Incorporate Spinach
- Wilt the Greens: Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Season with Salt & Pepper: Add 1 tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
Step6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
- Stir Well: Mix until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
Step7: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- Mix Ricotta & Cheese: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano, and lemon zest.
- Stir Until Smooth: Mix until the ricotta mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step8: Assemble the Ziti
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Dollop Ricotta Mixture: Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Repeat: Top with remaining pasta and ricotta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Step9: Bake
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Broil for a Crisp Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown crust.
Step10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish & Serve: Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
Helpful Tips for Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- Experiment with Sausage: Try using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Layering is Key: Layering the pasta and cheese mixture ensures every bite has a perfect blend of flavors.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Use a Broiler: Finish the dish under the broiler for a crispy, golden top.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Pecorino for added texture.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Broil carefully as the cheese can burn quickly!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti
- Pair with: Garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or your favorite Italian red wine.
- Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this cheesy baked ziti contains:
- Calories: 168 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 130mg
Storage and Leftovers for Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute increments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What’s the Best Substitute for Ricotta?
Use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture.
3. Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions.
4. How Do I Make This Gluten-Free?
Swap regular pasta for gluten-free options and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Related Recipes for Baked Ziti Lovers
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage recipe! It’s the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Feel free to share your variations or tips in the comments below!
Happy Cooking! 🍽️
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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage – Comfort Food
Description
Welcome to this delicious Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage recipe! Imagine perfectly al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese all baked together under a blanket of melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make Italian-inspired comfort dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or Sunday suppers. Let’s dive into the detailed steps and tips to master this irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb dried ziti pasta (or any other short tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casings removed)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion (diced into ¼-inch pieces)
- 2 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves (or 2 tsp dried oregano)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- ½–1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine (such as Chianti)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (or thinly sliced Swiss chard leaves)
- 1 tsp Kosher salt (plus more for seasoning pasta water)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, divided)
- 1 lemon (zested, about 1–2 tsp)
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded or ripped)
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
- Gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Non-dairy ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (typically 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests).
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. This should take about 4-6 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- Add Onions & Garlic: Add diced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices & Tomato Paste: Stir in oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits.
- Add Tomatoes: Once the wine reduces by half, add the crushed tomatoes. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
- Wilt the Greens: Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Season with Salt & Pepper: Add 1 tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
- Stir Well: Mix until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
Step 7: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- Mix Ricotta & Cheese: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano, and lemon zest.
- Stir Until Smooth: Mix until the ricotta mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 8: Assemble the Ziti
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Dollop Ricotta Mixture: Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Repeat: Top with remaining pasta and ricotta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Broil for a Crisp Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown crust.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish & Serve: Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- Experiment with Sausage: Try using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Layering is Key: Layering the pasta and cheese mixture ensures every bite has a perfect blend of flavors.
