A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring spicy sausage and gooey cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a baking dish.
Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.
In a skillet, cook the hot Italian sausage until browned. Remove from the skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the sausage first enhances its flavor and texture.
In the same skillet, add the white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Deglazing adds depth to the sauce by incorporating the sausage drippings.
Blend the San Marzano tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet with the wine and stir.
Blending the tomatoes creates a smooth and consistent sauce.
Combine the sliced sausage with the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the pasta in the baking dish. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Mixing ensures every bite is flavorful.
Top the pasta with sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly.
Evenly distributed cheese ensures a gooey topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked pasta with a side of salad and your favorite beverage.
Pairing with a salad balances the richness of the dish.
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