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Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

A comforting dish of baked ziti pasta combined with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (ensure halal) Substitutable with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
  • 12 oz ziti pasta Cook until al dente.
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Adds depth of flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish Optional for serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and then layer the remaining ziti mixture on top. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.