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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

This is the baked pasta you pull out when you need to feed a crowd without losing your mind. It comes together fast, goes in the oven, and comes out bubbly and golden. Make two — one for tonight, one for the freezer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ziti until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up, about 7 minutes. Drain fat.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella.
  4. Combine cooked pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta mixture in the bowl and stir to combine.
  5. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.