Recipe for a Crowd: Creamy Baked Ziti with Sausage

This has been a longtime staple in our family, especially since it can be prepared ahead of time. Serves 12–15

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ziti or penne pasta

• 2 lbs Italian sausage (or ground beef/turkey), browned

• 2 jars (24 oz each) pasta sauce (marinara or tomato basil)

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella

• 1 cup grated parmesan

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

  
  

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown sausage in a large skillet. Drain any fat.

3. Add sauce to the sausage and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

5. In two greased 9x13 pans, layer like this:

   • Pasta

   • Cream cheese mixture (spread evenly)

   • Meat sauce

   • Mozzarella

   • Repeat as needed, topping with mozzarella and parmesan.

6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

   
   

🍽 Why It’s a Win:

• Make-ahead friendly: assemble in the morning, bake at dinner

• Freezer-friendly: make one for now, freeze one for later

• Kid and adult approved

• Flexible: go meatless or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms

  
  

🍞 Serve With:

• Garlic bread

• Side salad

• A glass of wine for the grown-ups 😉

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