A comforting and hearty baked pasta dish with layers of cheese and flavorful sauce.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and a perfect bake.
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Cooking the onion and garlic enhances their sweetness and flavor.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Simmering allows the flavors to combine and intensify.
Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese.
Mixing the cheeses ensures an even distribution in the dish.
Layer half of the cooked ziti in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the sauce over the pasta, followed by the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Layering creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
A generous cheese topping creates a golden, bubbly crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier.
Serve the baked ziti warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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