Why I Love This Recipe
There’s a reason baked pasta never goes out of style. This baked ziti is everything you want in a comfort meal with a rich, savory tomato sauce, plenty of parmesan, and a layer of creamy burrata that melts into every bite. Finished with fresh basil, it’s the kind of cozy dinner that feels like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant but is easy enough to make at home.
Enjoying The Leftovers
The flavors only get better after a night in the fridge.
Storing
Store the baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If possible, add the fresh basil just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the pasta has thickened, add a splash of water or chicken stock before reheating to help loosen the sauce.
Burrata Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti or rigatoni noodles
- 2 lbs hot Italian chicken sausage
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2, 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 2, 4oz balls of burrata
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it browns.
- Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it begins to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes. If you have extra time, let it simmer a little longer for even more flavor.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions, stopping just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to a large baking dish along with about half of the sauce and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Tear the burrata into large pieces and arrange it over the pasta, reserving one burrata ball for serving if desired. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Top with freshly chopped basil and the remaining fresh burrata before serving.
cook along with me!
Nutrition Per Serving
Sheet Pan Pineapple BBQ Chicken Bowls
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