Italian Sausage and Mushroom Baked Ziti

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, cook sausage, breaking into crumbles, until browned.
4. 4 Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until softened.
5. 5 Stir in marinara sauce and oregano; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6 In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta, and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.
7. 7 Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. 8 Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan over top.
9. 9 Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. 10 Garnish with parsley before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl

Variations

• Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Substitutions

• Substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni.
• Use store-bought marinara sauce if short on time.

Pairings

• Red wine like a Chianti or a Pinot Noir complements this dish beautifully.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a make-ahead option, assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until warm.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 350°F until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.

FAQ