Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Whether it’s a holiday dinner or simply a weekend family meal, this baked ziti with sausage is always the right decision. Hearty, cheesy, and loaded with robust, savory flavors, a pasta bake like this is cold weather comfort food at its finest. While baked ziti has a reputation for being a time-intensive dish to prep, this recipe is ready for dinner in under an hour. A combination of sausage and pancetta delivery rich meaty flavor to the ziti while the addition of fresh basil gives it a delicious touch of brightness. 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.
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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