She Strengthens

Classic Baked Ziti: A Hearty Italian Masterpiece

This beloved Italian-American dish brings together the perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring al dente ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, roasted eggplant, and a rich medley of cheeses.

The Perfect Pasta

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, prepare your eggplant by sprinkling it with salt and letting it sit for 20 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture, ensuring a tender and flavorful eggplant.

Roasting the Eggplant

Spread the eggplant out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The result is a beautifully caramelized eggplant that adds depth to the dish.

Sausage and Sauce

In a large saucepan, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan, leaving behind any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is tender and the garlic fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, before adding the cooked sausage, eggplant, and olives.

Assembling the Baked Ziti

While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

The Final Touches

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped fresh basil.

This classic baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and comforting warmth.