Baked Ziti with Sausage
author: "Once Upon A Chef"
source: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/baked-ziti-with-sausage.html#tabrecipe
type: recipe
rating: *****
tags: recipe web onceUponAChef ziti pasta cheese casserole dinner main-dish
creation date: 2022-11-26
mod date: 2022-11-26
Baked Ziti with Sausage
This bubbling baked ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it freezes well too.
Servings: 8 to 10
Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Ingredients
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | Ziti noodles | |
| 1.5 lb | Ground, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage | Removed from casings |
| 4 Cloves | Garlic | Minced |
| 28oz | Crushed tomatoes | 1 Can |
| 1 tsp | Salt | |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Sugar | We usually leave out the sugar |
| 1.4 tsp | Crushed Red Pepper flakes | |
| 1 Cup | Heavy Cream | |
| 1/3 Cup 3 T | Pecororino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Divided |
| 1/3 Cup | Fresh Basil | Chopped |
| 8 oz | Mozzarella Cheese - Whole Milk | Shredded |
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package directions for very al dente, about 7 minutes. (It will continue to cook in the oven so you want to undercook it just a bit.) Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and set the oven rack in the middle position.
- Heat a large sauté pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and set over low heat (if you don't have enough fat in the pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil). Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar and red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Add the cream, ⅓ cup of the pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Carefully pour the contents of the sauté pan into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half the remaining pecorino Romano. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and pecorino Romano. Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.
- Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The dish can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance, or frozen for up to 3 months. (If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight.) Whether refrigerated or frozen and defrosted, bake, covered tightly with aluminum foil, in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the pasta is hot throughout.
Nutrition Information
- Per serving (10 servings)
- Calories:613
- Fat:38 g
- Saturated fat:18 g
- Carbohydrates:43 g
- Sugar:6 g
- Fiber:3 g
- Protein:25 g
- Sodium:913 mg
- Cholesterol:111 mg
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