One-Pot Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 0.5 yellow onion (Diced)
• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (Removed from casings if using links)
• 2 cloves garlic (Minced)
• 24 oz pasta sauce (Use your favorite prepared pasta sauce)
• 3.5 cup beef broth (The transcript says about 3 to 4 cups)
• 1 lb dry ziti pasta (Use another short tube-shaped pasta if desired)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (Amount inferred from the video; add after the pasta is cooked)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (Add in several spoonfuls or pockets)
• 2 cup mozzarella cheese (Shredded; amount inferred from the video)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (Finely grated; amount inferred from the video)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a large oven-safe, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and lightly translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes; add a small amount of oil only if the sausage does not release enough fat.

2. 2

   Add the spicy sausage. Break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until it is mostly browned and no longer visibly raw, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.

4. 4

   Pour in the pasta sauce and approximately 3 to 4 cups of beef broth. Stir thoroughly, scraping any browned sausage bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. 5

   Add the dry ziti and stir so the pasta is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.

6. 6

   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly or fully tender and the sauce has thickened. If the pot becomes dry before the pasta is cooked, add a little more broth.

7. 7

   Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

8. 8

   Add the ricotta in several spoonfuls, leaving some pockets rather than fully blending it into the sauce.

9. 9

   Scatter the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the pasta in an even layer.

10. 10

    Cover the oven-safe pot tightly with foil and transfer it to an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

11. 11

    Carefully remove the foil, taking care to avoid the steam. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle slightly.

Notes

The description promotes the dish but does not provide a written recipe. Quantities for the sauce, cream, and cheeses were estimated because the transcript does not specify them; the transcript gives approximately 3 to 4 cups of broth. Ensure the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a pot that is safe for both stovetop and oven use.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• one-pot
• baked
• comfort-food
• Italian-American
• cheesy
• weeknight