Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food with this baked ziti with Italian sausage. This easy dinner idea brings together hearty pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and layers of gooey cheese—all baked to perfection. Whether you're after a quick weeknight dinner, a freezer-friendly meal prep solution, or crowd-pleasing food ideas for gatherings, this easy recipe checks every box. It's perfect for anyone craving warm, cheesy, Italian-inspired goodness that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or spicy, casings removed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- 2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- 3. Add onions to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- 4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the cooked pasta with most of the sauce, saving 1 cup for the top.
- 7. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture. Dollop with ricotta mixture. Add remaining pasta and top with reserved sauce.
- 8. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- 9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
Use whole milk cheeses for the creamiest texture and flavor.
Let the baked ziti rest before cutting to help it hold together when serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sliceCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 24gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
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