Baked Ziti (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Sauce

01 - 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling over pasta
03 - 1 pound Italian sausage
04 - 32 oz marinara sauce

→ Cheese Mixture

05 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
08 - 3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
10 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - Dash of crushed red pepper flakes, optional
12 - Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - Additional chopped basil for garnish, if desired

# Instructions:

01 - Set your oven to 375°F. Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the other components.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until it's al dente - tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well in a colander, then drizzle with a little olive oil and toss to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and set aside.
03 - While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the cooked sausage and set aside.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then mix everything together until well combined.
05 - Add the cheese mixture to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the cooked sausage. Gently stir everything together, being careful not to break the pasta noodles, until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
06 - Transfer the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
07 - Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving.
08 - Sprinkle additional fresh chopped basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor, if desired. Serve warm, perhaps with some garlic bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.

# Notes:

01 - This baked ziti can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
02 - For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
03 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
04 - This recipe serves a crowd and is perfect for family gatherings or when you want leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.

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