This decadent, simple pasta casserole is perfect for a meaty, gooey, and cheesy comfort food. This potluck favorite is an absolute crowd-pleaser and serves as a hearty side dish or main course. As a fast-food classic, you know it's easy to throw together.
1pound ziti pasta,cooked according to package instructions
1cup Parmesan cheese
2 cupmozzarella,shredded
Salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
The Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté bacon until brown and crisp. This may take about 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add Italian sausage to the pan, cook for about 3-5 minutes or until brown, and break it up to prevent clumping.
The Sauce
If you need more oil, add a little olive oil, then throw in the onion, garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning – sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent.
Stir in tomato sauce and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta al dente (pasta with a bite to it). Do not overcook it, or it will get mushy.
Assembly
Once the sauce is ready, remove the bay leaf and add bacon and pasta.
Perform a taste test, then adjust salt, pepper, and seasonings as needed.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and mozzarella, setting aside about ½ cup or more to sprinkle on top.
Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish or 13"x9" baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake, uncovered, at 350℉/177℃ for about 20-30 minutes or until ziti is heated through and the top is slightly brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve while it is still piping hot.
Notes
You may have noted that this recipe doesn't include ricotta cheese as many baked ziti recipes do. Honestly, I found the ricotta a bit dry after baking and prefer to use freshly grated parmesan instead, which stays moist and gooey.
After you pull this pasta out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes so the cheese firms up and flavors can come together before serving.
Fresh herbs are an excellent garnish for this dish. Fresh chopped parsley or basil look so beautiful and taste amazing.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.