This Savory Baked Ziti Delight is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines flavorful sausage with a rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy cheeses and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage
1 large onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
4 cups marinara sauce
1 pound ziti pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
1 bunch parsley
Method
Gather all your ingredients to prepare for cooking. Cut the sausage links in half lengthwise and take out the casings.
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add in the sausage pieces along with diced onion. Cook while stirring until the sausage becomes brown and the onion turns translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
Pour in the marinara sauce and rinse each jar with a cup of water to ensure all the sauce is used. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once finished, remove from heat and set aside, skimming off any excess fat that rises to the surface.
While the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions, roughly 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Carefully mix the meat sauce into the pasta until everything is well combined. Let it rest for 5 minutes. In the meantime, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it down with a spatula. Layer half of the ricotta, mozzarella, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and gently shake the dish to settle it. Finish with the rest of the cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. After baking, allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
