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Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

A cozy and flavorful baked ziti dish featuring Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and layers of cheese—a perfect family meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (Halal)
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta Cook until al dente
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil For garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and adding the ziti pasta. Cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

If using leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.