Baked ziti with sausage recipe for eight
Recipe shopping list — copy the items into Valedo.
This baked pasta serves eight and works for a potluck or make-ahead dinner. It is a different dish from layered lasagna and uses ziti throughout.
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb
Italian sausage
1 1/2 lb
Olive oil
1 tbsp
Yellow onion
1
Garlic cloves
4
Marinara sauce
2 jars
Whole-milk ricotta
15 oz
Egg
1
Low-moisture mozzarella cheese
4 cups
Parmesan cheese
1 cup
Fresh basil
1/2 cup
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp
How to make it
- Cook ziti two minutes shy of package directions and drain. 2. Brown sausage with onion and garlic. 3. Stir in marinara and red pepper flakes. 4. Mix ricotta with egg, half the Parmesan, and half the basil. 5. Layer pasta, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish. 6. Bake at 375°F until browned and bubbling, then rest before serving.
Who this list is for
This checklist is for home cooks planning to make baked ziti with sausage for a group of eight. It’s ideal for potluck hosts, family dinners, or anyone who wants a hearty make-ahead meal that isn’t lasagna. The ingredients and amounts are set for a crowd, so you won’t have to guess at scaling.
How to use this list
First, review your pantry and fridge for staples. This recipe calls for one pound of ziti pasta, one and a half pounds of Italian sausage, and a tablespoon of olive oil. You’ll also need a yellow onion, four garlic cloves, two jars of marinara sauce, 15 ounces of whole-milk ricotta, and one egg. For cheese, get four cups of shredded low-moisture mozzarella and one cup of grated Parmesan. Fresh basil (half a cup) and half a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes round out the flavors. Cross off anything you already have before you shop.
Common mistakes
A common problem is undercooking or overcooking the pasta—cook the ziti just until al dente, since it will bake further. Don’t skip browning the sausage and onion; raw sausage won’t cook through in the oven. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it melts less smoothly. Don’t forget to drain excess fat from the sausage. Using too little sauce can lead to dry ziti, so measure carefully.
What is on this list
This list covers ziti pasta, Italian sausage, olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves, marinara sauce, whole-milk ricotta, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Go through your kitchen and cross off what you already have to keep your shopping efficient.
Before you go
Check that you have a large baking dish and foil for covering. If making ahead, prep the sausage and sauce the night before. Double-check for fresh basil and enough cheese. Make sure you have time to let the ziti rest a few minutes after baking before serving, so it sets up and slices cleanly.
FAQ
Who is "Baked ziti with sausage recipe for eight" for?
This checklist is for home cooks planning to make baked ziti with sausage for a group of eight. It’s ideal for potluck hosts, family dinners, or anyone who wants a hearty make-ahead meal that isn’t lasagna. The ingredients and amounts are set for a crowd, so you won’t have to guess at scaling.
How should I use "Baked ziti with sausage recipe for eight"?
First, review your pantry and fridge for staples. This recipe calls for one pound of ziti pasta, one and a half pounds of Italian sausage, and a tablespoon of olive oil. You’ll also need a yellow onion, four garlic cloves, two jars of marinara sauce, 15 ounces of whole-milk ricotta, and one egg. For cheese, get four cups of shredded low-moisture mozzarella…
What should I skip or avoid with "Baked ziti with sausage recipe for eight"?
A common problem is undercooking or overcooking the pasta—cook the ziti just until al dente, since it will bake further. Don’t skip browning the sausage and onion; raw sausage won’t cook through in the oven. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it melts less smoothly. Don’t forget to drain excess fat from the sausage. Using too little sauce can l…
What is on the "Baked ziti with sausage recipe for eight" list?
This list covers ziti pasta, Italian sausage, olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves, marinara sauce, whole-milk ricotta, egg, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Go through your kitchen and cross off what you already have to keep your shopping efficient.
What should I do before I go?
Check that you have a large baking dish and foil for covering. If making ahead, prep the sausage and sauce the night before. Double-check for fresh basil and enough cheese. Make sure you have time to let the ziti rest a few minutes after baking before serving, so it sets up and slices cleanly.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.