Baked Ziti with Sausage

20 Reviews
ADD YOUR REVIEW
Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller 
Hands-on Time
30 Mins
Total Time
55 Mins
Yield
Makes 8 servings
By Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman
February 2014
RECIPE BY Southern Living

Pancetta, or cured pork belly, is the same thing as bacon without the smoke. Find it in the deli case of most supermarkets. Native to Italy, San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor. Consider trying them in place of regular crushed tomatoes in the sauce.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
  • 4 ounces pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 (1-lb.) package ground Italian sausage
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed torn fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 (8-oz.) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare ziti according to package directions for al dente.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cook pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat 3 minutes. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Add sausage, and sauté 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Add wine, and cook 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and next 3 ingredients. Reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes.

Step 3

Stir ricotta and 1 cup mozzarella cheese into hot cooked pasta. Lightly grease a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer pasta mixture to prepared dish, and top with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Step 4

Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and Hog & Hominy, East Memphis, TN

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Ratings & Reviews

Lindawapp
September 21, 2016
why the one star then?

1noazrk
June 04, 2017
Why did you leave one star?

Yummy Baked Pasta!

Amy2Foreman
December 29, 2018
This was a hit last night with my family and a family we had over for a supper and game night. The kids are all young adult college kids now with discerning tastes. All loved it and went back for seconds. I used bacon because it was on hand and beef broth as a red wine substitute (as mentioned in an earlier review-thank you) because of a food allergy in the group. It was easy to make. Served with a large salad, Italian bread, and a vegetarian pasta alternative this was a nice, casual meal. All want the recipe! It’s a keeper!

Marciathudium's Review

alliegal8
February 05, 2014
I tried this last night and thought it was great. I didn't have all the ingredients so I substituted: I used bacon but pancetta would be yummy also. Used penne instead of ziti,added a couple cups of fresh chopped spinach, a couple tablespoons of pesto instead of fresh basil, feta cheese instead of ricotta and provel cheese instead of mozzarella. It was moist, tasty and the perfect comfort food for a snowy winter night

KJSBBQ's Review

BrendaHyman
January 26, 2014
My husband (yes, it's that easy) made this for dinner. It looked and tasted great! Warm comfort food on a cold night. The only change we made was substituting beef broth for the red wine. Will make again!

1noazrk's Review

Kelly
January 15, 2014
I just made this for a pot luck event and it was amazing! Flavorful, creamy (but not too creamy), and rich! My husband, who doesn't usually like cheesy or creamy foods told me to keep this recipe on my short list! I will definitely make this again!

TheMomChef's Review

Grammy
March 04, 2014
We absolutely loved this recipe. I've made one similar to it, but it didn't have near as much flavor as this version did. Using the sausage was a great idea, as was the pancetta and red wine for deglazing. High marks from the whole family on this one. You can read my full review at Taking On Magazines: http://bit.ly/1lwpCRm

Mbmotley's Review

KJSBBQ
February 04, 2014
N/A

MarySF's Review

MarySF
April 17, 2014
Simply fantastic and easy to make. I loved the pancetta and it was a real pleaser at our place!

rsvph91's Review

Algal42
January 20, 2014
N/A