Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage: A Flavorful Comfort Dish for All
A comforting and flavorful baked ziti recipe featuring savory sausage, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with sausage. Stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with lentils or mushrooms.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.