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Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce

A comforting baked pasta dish with ziti, Italian sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
Cheese Layer
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Italian sausage in olive oil over medium heat, breaking it apart.
  3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream until smooth.
  6. Combine cooked pasta with sauce.
  7. Layer pasta with ricotta and mozzarella in a baking dish. Top with Parmesan.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Let rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture.