Description
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic recipe featuring ziti pasta baked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce combined with spicy Italian sausage and a blend of mozzarella and pecorino Romano cheeses. This hearty casserole offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and cheesy goodness, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh basil for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti noodles
Meat and Sauce
- 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
- Cook the pasta: 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, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Cook the sausage and prepare the sauce: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan, add the minced garlic, and cook over low heat until softened, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, ⅓ cup pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and chopped basil into the tomato sauce, mixing well. Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the cooked pasta and gently toss to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: Spoon half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and half of the remaining pecorino Romano (1½ tablespoons). Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and pecorino Romano.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional fresh basil, and serve warm for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Cooking the pasta al dente is important as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- You can substitute Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for pecorino Romano if desired.
- Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend baking time by a few minutes if chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
