Marry Me Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 0.5 lb dry ziti pasta (cooked)
• 1 cup Italian cheese blend (divided)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (room temperature)
• 2.25 cup heavy cream (divided; room temperature)
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1.5 tsp sea salt (divided)
• 1.5 tsp black pepper (divided)
• 0.5 tsp granulated onion
• 0.5 tsp granulated garlic
• 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp msg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 0.5 small onion (diced)
• 1 shallot (diced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 oz sun dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 6 clove garlic (minced)
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 2 cup chicken broth
• 2 oz fresh parmesan (grated)
• 0.5 tbsp chicken bouillon

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the ziti pasta in boiling water for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 oz (1/4 cup) heavy cream, 1 egg, 1 cup Italian cheese blend, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon msg. Mix until smooth and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

4. 4

   Add 1 lb Italian sausage to the skillet. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and let it crisp slightly for extra flavor.

5. 5

   Add 1/2 diced small onion and 1 diced shallot to the skillet. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.

6. 6

   Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3 oz chopped sun dried tomatoes, and 6 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.

7. 7

   Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.

8. 8

   Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream. Stir in 2 oz grated fresh parmesan and 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon.

9. 9

   Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it reduces and thickens into a silky-smooth base.

10. 10

    Combine the cooked pasta with the ricotta cheese blend, then fold in the prepared Marry Me sauce until well incorporated.

11. 11

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

12. 12

    Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup Italian cheese blend and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

13. 13

    Bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally, cover with foil for the first half of baking to keep it moist.

14. 14

    Allow the ziti to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.

Notes

Chef Tip: Let the Italian sausage crisp up after browning to add caramelized flavor. You can cover the dish for the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure it stays moist, then uncover for the final 15 to brown the cheese.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• baked ziti
• comfort food
• dinner
• date night
• baked
• pasta