A Cozy Baked Ziti with a Little Spice | Rome's Cozy Kitchen

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Boil water with a bit of salt for the pasta.

Chop onion and garlic.

Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and black pepper in a bowl and set aside.

In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, add olive oil and chopped onions, sautéing for about 2 minutes until softened.

Add hot Italian sausage to the onions, breaking it up with a spoon and cooking until browned.

Stir in chili flakes and garlic, cooking for an additional minute.

Add tomato paste to the mixture, stirring to combine.

Pour in chicken stock and a can of crushed tomatoes, stirring well.

Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a boil, then reduce to medium-low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until desired sauce consistency is reached.

Cook ziti pasta for 2-3 minutes less than the box directions, then drain and add to the sauce, mixing well.

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish.

Dollop the cheese mixture on top of the pasta and sauce, spreading it out.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring to cover the sides for crispiness.

Add fresh basil on top of the cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is crispy and bubbly.

Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens