Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This hearty and flavorful pasta dish is made with ziti pasta, Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, and a delicious tomato sauce. It's a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and will leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients (serves 6-8):
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking tips:
- Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Mix the ricotta cheese with an egg and some salt and pepper to make it creamier and more flavorful.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the sausage and stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti pasta, sausage and tomato sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese until well combined.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Appearance and taste:
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. The pasta is coated in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce that is made even more delicious with the addition of Italian sausage. The creamy ricotta cheese adds a nice contrast to the tangy tomato sauce, and the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top give the dish a nice crispy texture. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Type of dish: Pasta bake
Main ingredients: Ziti pasta, Italian sausage, Ricotta cheese
