Cheesy Baked Ziti with a Twist

This baked ziti recipe takes the classic Italian dish to the next level by adding a twist of extra flavors. The combination of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, Italian sausage, and three different types of cheese makes it hearty and comforting. It's perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests at a gathering. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 50 minutes, you'll have a hot and flavorful dish on the table in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 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. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the cooked Italian sausage and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Spread half of the ziti mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with dollops of half the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti and cheese mixtures.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Interesting Facts