Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It combines tender pasta, rich marinara, savory sausage, and a blend of melty cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this baked ziti recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. This dish brings together classic Italian-inspired ingredients in a way that’s both hearty and homely, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Why Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese is Worth Your Time

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese is a timeless recipe that balances simplicity with indulgence. It’s the kind of meal you can make ahead and pop in the oven when guests arrive or enjoy as leftovers that taste even better the next day. The Italian sausage adds a robust, savory depth, while the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious, creamy texture that coats every bite. Plus, the dried herbs and garlic powder elevate the flavor profile without requiring complicated prep or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’ve ever wondered what to make that pleases both kids and adults alike, this recipe is a reliable go-to that delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 12 ounces ziti pasta: The star pasta for this bake, perfect for holding sauce and cheese.
• 1 pound Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy depending on your taste preference.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite quality jarred or homemade marinara.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mix.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy top.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to the baked pasta.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, peppery nuance.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory elements without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening flavors.
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch at serving.

Recommended Tools

• Large pot: For boiling the ziti pasta evenly.
• Large skillet: To brown the Italian sausage and mix sauce ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: To combine ricotta cheese with herbs and seasoning.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering and baking the ziti.
• Colander: For draining the pasta perfectly.
• Spoon or spatula: To stir and layer ingredients without mess.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese — Do This Next

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild sausage; otherwise, spicy sausage adds a lovely kick.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Seasonings

Add the marinara sauce to the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta and Cheese

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well. This creamy cheese mixture will provide luscious pockets of richness throughout the baked ziti.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In your 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of the sausage and marinara sauce mixture. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly across the pasta, then repeat the layers once more: sauce, pasta, ricotta cheese mixture.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

For a slight variation on this classic, you might also love the creamy textures found in Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti or the flavorful twist of turkey sausage in Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta.

Substitutions by Category

• Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work great if you don’t have ziti on hand.
• Meat: Ground turkey or chicken sausage can replace Italian sausage for a leaner option.
• Sauces: Use a homemade tomato basil sauce or a store-bought marinara with no added sugar for a fresher flavor.
• Cheeses: Cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta, and provolone can be swapped for mozzarella for a different melt and taste.
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh oregano and basil can replace dried if available; just triple the quantity.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Overcooked Pasta: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy baked ziti. It will continue cooking in the oven.
• Dry Sauce: Don’t skimp on the marinara sauce; you want enough moisture to keep the dish saucy and flavorful.
• Uneven Cheese Distribution: Mix cheeses well and layer evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Burnt Top: Cover with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning before the pasta is heated through.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

This baked ziti keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, this dish freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or beef with Italian seasoning mixed in. Alternatively, try the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta for a similar sausage-inspired flavor using turkey sausage.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh herbs are wonderful and vibrant. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried to maintain the same intensity of flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version. Consider layering in fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

You Might Also Like

• Baked Four Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups — A cheesy, elegant twist on classic Italian comfort food.
• Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti — A lush, garlicky baked pasta loaded with greens.
• Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Turkey Sausage Pasta — A flavorful pasta alternative with turkey sausage and sun-dried tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. It hits all the right notes—rich, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. The recipe is flexible, forgiving, and consistently delicious, making it a reliable favorite to return to time and again. Next time you’re craving a cozy, cheesy pasta bake, this recipe will be waiting for you. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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