Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. This classic Italian-American casserole combines al dente ziti pasta, savory sausage, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, all baked to golden perfection.

Its layers of flavor and texture make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals. The best part? It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prepare but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances cheesy comfort and meaty richness. Every bite delivers a mouthful of creamy ricotta, savory sausage, and perfectly baked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with inviting aromas and makes everyone gather around the table.

The textures — soft pasta, tender sausage, and bubbly melted cheese — create a satisfying harmony that keeps you coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit any taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s classic, family-friendly, and crowd-pleasing. Whether for a holiday dinner, casual weeknight, or a potluck gathering, Baked Ziti with Sausage is always a hit. It’s comforting yet versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients for spiciness, extra cheese, or added vegetables.

Its simplicity in preparation paired with indulgent flavors makes it a true kitchen staple that’s impossible not to love.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Combine Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes. Return sausage to the sauce.
6. Mix Pasta & Ricotta: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti and ricotta cheese. Mix gently until coated.
7. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the sausage marinara sauce over it. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
8. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1 – Boil Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Step 2 – Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Remove and reserve.
3. Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables: Cook onion and garlic until translucent.
4. Step 4 – Make Sauce: Add marinara, herbs, and optional red pepper. Simmer with sausage.
5. Step 5 – Combine Pasta & Ricotta: Mix pasta with ricotta cheese gently.
6. Step 6 – Layer Casserole: Alternate layers of pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
7. Step 7 – Bake: Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncover for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
8. Step 8 – Serve: Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

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How to Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian-American feast. It also works beautifully for casual gatherings or holiday dinners.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• For a richer flavor, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream into the ricotta.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set layers.
• Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Variations

1. Spicy Baked Ziti: Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
3. Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella, fontina, and provolone for a cheesy explosion.
4. Meat Lover’s: Add cooked ground beef or meatballs along with sausage.
5. White Sauce Ziti: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes.
• Reheating Tip: Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating for a fresh baked texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and rich marinara, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Easy to prep, customizable, and freezer-friendly, this dish is a true family favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or casual gatherings, this baked ziti will satisfy every craving and bring warmth to the table.

Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 pound (450g)
• 1 pound (450g)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Combine Sauce: Add marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes. Return sausage to the sauce.
6. Mix Pasta & Ricotta: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti and ricotta cheese. Mix gently until coated.
7. Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the sausage marinara sauce over it. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
8. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Keywords: Baked Ziti with Sausage