At my dinner parties, this dish consistently delights my guests more than any other
Welcome to the world of Italian Sausage Baked Ziti – a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings warmth to your heart. This article will guide you through the process of creating this delectable masterpiece, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti or Penne Pasta | 1 pound |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian Sausage (casings removed) | 1 pound |
| Medium Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 can (28 ounces) |
| Dried Basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) | – |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 container (15 ounces) |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided) | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese (divided) | 1 cup |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| Fresh Parsley (for garnish) | – |
Instructions:
- Preheat and Parboil: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
Embark on your culinary journey by preheating the oven, ensuring the perfect texture for your pasta.
- Sautéing the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and onion, breaking up the sausage with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned, and the onions are soft. Introduce garlic for an aromatic touch.
Transform your kitchen into a haven of savory scents as the Italian sausage sizzles and flavors meld.
- Simmering the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Allow this delightful concoction to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize.
Watch as your kitchen becomes a canvas of colors and fragrances with the vibrant tomato sauce.
- Cheesy Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and the egg. Stir in a little seasoning if you desire.
Unleash your creativity as you craft a velvety ricotta mixture that promises to elevate your dish.
- Marrying the Elements: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta, sausage sauce, and ricotta mixture until a delightful union is achieved. Pour this amalgamation into a 9×13-inch baking dish and crown it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Witness the marriage of flavors as the ingredients come together to create a symphony in your baking dish.
- Baking the Masterpiece: Slide your soon-to-be masterpiece into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches a bubbling, golden perfection.
Anticipation builds as your kitchen transforms into a culinary sanctuary, emanating the enticing aroma of a baked ziti masterpiece.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the dish to rest for a hot minute before serving to avoid molten cheese lava. Garnish with fresh parsley for that extra touch of elegance.
Exercise patience as you await the perfect moment to unveil your culinary creation, adorned with the final flourish of fresh parsley.
