Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish, look no further than this Baked Ziti with Sausage recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti (or penne/rigatoni if ziti is unavailable)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)

For the Red Sauce:

• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Cottage Cheese Mixture:

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 pound cottage cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes

To Top the Casserole:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• More chopped basil, to garnish after baking

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a deep 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray, paying special attention to the edges.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Fill a 3-quart pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the ziti (or your chosen tubular pasta). Cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside, keeping the pot for later use.

3. Prepare the Red Sauce

• In a large skillet, crumble and cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard the fat. Add the minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Add Spices and Tomatoes

• To the sausage and garlic, add the dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sauté for another minute before adding the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium, let it bubble, then simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes.

5. Finish the Sauce

• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sugar and chopped fresh basil. This will enhance the sauce’s flavor and add a touch of sweetness.

6. Thicken the Cream

• In the same pot used to boil the pasta, add cold heavy cream. Whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a low simmer, stirring frequently. The cream should thicken in about 3-4 minutes.

7. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture

• In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then add the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and cubed mozzarella. Mix until well combined.

8. Combine the Ingredients

• Once the cream has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cottage cheese mixture. Add 1 cup of the red sauce and mix well. Then, stir in the drained pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

9. Assemble the Casserole

• Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread the remaining red sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the top with the cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

10. Bake

• Cover the casserole with foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. If you prefer a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

11. Rest and Serve

• Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and satisfying textures. The mix of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a fresh salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!