Baked Ziti

Italian-American comfort food featuring ziti pasta baked with a rich tomato-sausage sauce, three kinds of mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for indulgent flavor.

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
2. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt the water generously. Cook the ziti pasta until just barely al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta.
3. Brown Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Set a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground Italian sausage, diced yellow onion, and roughly chopped garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and discard.
4. Add Sauces and Seasonings
Add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well until combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese
Stir in the cooked ziti pasta and 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese into the sauce mixture.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F, until the pasta is tender.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve
Serve the baked ziti sprinkled with red chili flakes and minced fresh basil.

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Baked Ziti

1. Preheat Oven

2. Cook Pasta

3. Brown Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

4. Add Sauces and Seasonings

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese

6. Assemble in Baking Dish

7. Cover and Bake

8. Uncover and Finish Baking

9. Garnish and Serve