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Deliciously Hearty Baked Ziti with Sausage

Rich layers of pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese make this Baked Ziti with Sausage a comforting choice for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ziti pasta
  • 1 pound of Italian sausage
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  • Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan, mixing well.
  • Add the drained ziti to the sausage and sauce mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  • Layer half of the ziti mixture into a baking dish, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, then repeat with the remaining ziti and cheeses on top.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top before placing it in the oven.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the baked ziti cool for about 10 minutes before serving.