Introduction
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a comforting, hearty Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is baked to perfection, with a golden cheesy crust on top and a rich, flavorful interior.
It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or serving at gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities and is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of pasta, meat, tomato sauce, and cheese creates layers of flavor and texture that are utterly irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s comfort food at its finest. Every bite brings together the satisfying textures of al dente pasta, hearty sausage, and creamy, melted cheese. The sauce is flavorful but not overpowering, and the top layer of browned mozzarella and Parmesan gives it that iconic baked appeal.
I also love its versatility—you can make it with mild or spicy sausage, add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even make a vegetarian version. It’s one of those recipes that always feels like a special meal, even though it’s simple to prepare.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Classic comfort food with rich flavors and creamy textures.
- Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or dinner parties.
- Easy to make in advance or for meal prep.
- Customizable with proteins, cheeses, or vegetables.
- Baked to golden perfection for a visually appealing dish.
Time & Servings
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving (varies depending on sausage and cheese type)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course, Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Simple Cooking Directions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Cook sausage with onions and garlic.
- Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings, simmer.
- Mix pasta with sauce and ricotta.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Cook Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Sausage – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Make Sauce – Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta & Ricotta – In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta cheese and half of the tomato-sausage sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
How to Serve
- Serve in individual bowls or slice directly from the baking dish.
- Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Extra Creamy: Add a little heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Spice Level: Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in provolone or Fontina for extra cheesy layers.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with roasted mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Chicken Version: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of sausage.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Freezing & Storage
- Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Assemble but do not bake. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet or sauté pan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With layers of tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a classic Italian-American favorite that pleases everyone at the table. Easy to make, fully customizable, and endlessly satisfying, this baked ziti is a must-try for pasta lovers.
Baked Ziti with Sausage
Description
Baked Ziti with Sausage is a comforting, hearty Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is baked to perfection, with a golden cheesy crust on top and a rich, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta :– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
-
Cook Sausage :– In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
-
Make Sauce :– Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
-
Combine Pasta & Ricotta :– In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta cheese and half of the tomato-sausage sauce.
-
Assemble in Baking Dish :– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
-
Bake :– Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
-
Garnish & Serve :– Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
