Get ready to indulge in a comforting Italian classic that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! Our Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti is a rich and flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal to warm your soul, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you'll want to bookmark this dish for your next culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the baked ziti cooks evenly and gets a nice golden top.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add it to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine. Then, add the cooked ziti pasta to the mixture and gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Then, layer the rest of the ziti mixture on top of the mozzarella, spreading it out evenly.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the ziti.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors to meld.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the creamy sausage baked ziti warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This will prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Sausage Selection: For an extra kick, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also mix in some ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Adding provolone or fontina can give your baked ziti a unique twist.
- Layering for Flavor: When layering the ziti mixture and cheese in the baking dish, ensure even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnishing: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 850kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 55g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Cholesterol: 160mg
