The aroma of baked ziti fills your home, transporting you back to your grandmother’s cozy kitchen on Sundays. Nothing beats the comforting flavors of Italy, especially when combined with the savory taste of sausage and rich tomato sauce. If you’re a fan of classic baked chicken, you may enjoy trying our Balsamic Baked Chicken recipe. But let’s get back to this ziti, because it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen
Baked Ziti With Sausage And Rich Tomato Sauce
★★★★★ (55 Reviews)
Ingredients
2 lbs ziti pasta
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into pieces as it cooks.
3
Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes. Add the reserved sausage back into the sauce and stir to combine.
5
Combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
