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–+ servings
250ml Traditional Italian Infused Olive Oil – For pasta and meats
Garden Infuzions

Rustic Baked Ziti Featuring Traditional Italian Olive Oil Blend

Rustic Baked Ziti Featuring Traditional Italian Olive Oil Blend brings together tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella for a cozy baked pasta everyone wants a second scoop of.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Traditional Italian Infused Olive Oil Blend
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 can 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling the ziti
  • 1 Large skillet For the sauce and sausage
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the pasta
  • 1 Mixing bowl For the ricotta mixture
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and breaking up sausage
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta

Method
 

Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente, then drain well.
  3. 3. Heat the Traditional Italian Infused Olive Oil Blend in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. 4. Add the garlic and ground Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  5. 5. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. 6. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and half of the parsley until smooth.
  7. 7. Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and toss until every piece is coated.
  8. 8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, dollop over half of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
  9. 9. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. 10. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving, then finish with the remaining parsley.

Notes

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente so it finishes perfectly in the oven. If you like a more rustic sauce, leave a little texture in the crushed tomatoes. The featured blend ties the whole pan together with a savory Italian herb backbone.

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