Description
Classic Baked Ziti with Sausage brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables. Melted cheeses, hearty sausage, and perfectly al dente pasta create a satisfying meal that draws family and friends together for a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Main Protein:
- 1 pound ziti (or penne/rigatoni if ziti is unavailable)
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 (28-ounce/794 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Cheese and Dairy Components:
- 1 pound cottage cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into ¼ inch cubes
- 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Position the oven rack to the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Fill a large pot with 3 quarts (2.8 liters) of water and add of kosher salt. Bring to a vigorous boil, then add of ziti pasta. Cook for 6-7 minutes until pasta is slightly firmer than al dente. Drain in a colander and drizzle with olive oil, gently tossing to prevent sticking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble of Italian sausage and cook until thoroughly browned, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and add 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Incorporate of dried oregano, of dried basil, of kosher salt, and of black pepper. Stir briefly before adding tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Mix in of sugar and of freshly chopped basil.
- In the same pot used for pasta, whisk of heavy cream with of cornstarch. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk 2 eggs thoroughly. Fold in of cottage cheese, of grated Parmesan cheese, and cubed mozzarella cheese.
- Remove cream mixture from heat and combine with the cheese mixture, sausage sauce, and drained pasta. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread remaining red sauce over the top and sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil (sprayed on the underside to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Simplify your pasta night with this hearty and comforting ziti that blends rich sausage, creamy cheeses, and robust tomato sauce.
- Cooking the pasta just under al dente ensures it absorbs sauce perfectly without becoming mushy during the final baking process.
- Crumbling and browning sausage thoroughly develops deep flavor foundations that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
- Creating a quick cream sauce with cornstarch helps thicken and bind ingredients without making the mixture too heavy or dense.
- Letting the baked ziti rest after cooking allows cheese to set and makes serving easier, preventing molten cheese from running everywhere.
- Choose full-fat dairy products for maximum richness and a luxurious mouthfeel that transforms this classic casserole into a memorable meal.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg