The moment I saw this recipe, I knew what I was fixing for dinner! Tastes even better the next day!

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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

The moment I saw this recipe, I knew what I was fixing for dinner! Tastes even better the next day!

🍝 Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

🔥 Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes under package time). Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.

  4. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

  5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  6. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.

  7. In a 9×13″ baking dish, layer:

    • Half the pasta mixture

    • Dollops of ricotta cheese

    • Remaining pasta mixture

    • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan

  8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

  9. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

🧀 Why It’s Better the Next Day:

The flavors have time to meld, and the cheese sets perfectly. Just reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce.

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