Once you take a bite out of this pasta casserole, you'll never want another version again

John Jasins

Contributing Writer

This baked ziti with Italian sausage casserole is a classic — simple, hearty and so satisfying. My family and friends are always asking me to make this. "Of course," I say. I always love to cook for my friends and fam'. But this is one of those dishes that anyone can make! Serve up this wonderful Italian-inspired casserole anytime. It makes for a delicious and filling dinner.

I love using hot and spicy Italian sausage, but if you don't like it too spicy, you can go for sweet Italian sausage. You need a skillet to first cook the sausage, as well as a pot to boil your pasta. Once your meat and pasta are cooked, combine everything right in the pasta pot, and then pour into your casserole dish. Parmesan cheese and basil are optional, but I love to add these two wonderful ingredients. I mean, the more cheese, the better, right? Finally, bake for 45 minutes, and you are ready to eat. Serve with oven-roasted zucchini for a complete meal!

Cooktop Cove

Baked Ziti With Italian Sausage Casserole

15 minutes

45 minutes

1 hour

1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed

½ yellow onion, small diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 pound dry ziti

1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large skillet on medium-high heat, brown and crumble the Italian sausage. Lower heat to medium-low. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 1 additional minute.

Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot. Drain pasta and return to pot. Stir in sausage, marinara sauce and salt and pepper. Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Transfer sausage and pasta mixture into a casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown.

Serve with oven-roasted zucchini.