Ultimate Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Ultimate Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering all your ingredients to set yourself up for success.

2. Step 2

   Begin by slicing the sausages lengthwise and removing their casings.

3. Step 3

   In a large saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil over high heat.

4. Step 4

   Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the sausages along with the diced onion.

5. Step 5

   Sauté them together until the sausages are beautifully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Next, sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, and rosemary, allowing them to mingle with the sausage and onion for an additional minute, releasing their fragrant aromas.

7. Step 7

   Now, pour in the marinara sauce and don’t forget to add a cup of water to each jar to capture any leftover sauce.

8. Step 8

   Add this water to the saucepan as well, stirring everything together until well combined.

9. Step 9

   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

10. Step 10

    Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce bubble away for about an hour, stirring occasionally to keep things from sticking.

11. Step 11

    Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

12. Step 12

    When the hour is up, turn off the heat and skim off any excess fat that has floated to the top.

13. Step 13

    While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

14. Step 14

    Add the ziti and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions, which should be around 8 minutes.

15. Step 15

    Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

16. Step 16

    Gently fold the meat sauce into the pasta until everything is well combined, then let it rest for about 5 minutes.

17. Step 17

    Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.

18. Step 18

    Now, it’s time to layer! Spoon half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

19. Step 19

    Next, dollop half of the ricotta, followed by half of the mozzarella, and sprinkle half of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top, distributing it evenly for that perfect cheesy goodness.

20. Step 20

    Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, giving the pan a gentle shake to settle it.

21. Step 21

    Repeat the layering with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano cheese, ensuring every bite will be deliciously cheesy.

22. Step 22

    Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

23. Step 23

    Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

24. Step 24

    For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

25. Step 25

    Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table!.