Introduction
Few comfort foods are as satisfying and soul-warming as Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—layers of tender pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce, flavorful sausage, and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese baked until bubbly and golden. It’s hearty, filling, and has that homemade Italian charm that makes it perfect for both family dinners and gatherings.
This recipe brings together the rustic flavors of Italian cuisine—savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and fresh herbs—into one pan. The beauty of baked ziti lies in its simplicity: you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s also versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences with different proteins, sauces, or cheeses.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home. The aroma of sausage simmering in marinara sauce, combined with bubbling mozzarella as it bakes, fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. It’s a dish that transports me straight to an Italian trattoria, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its flexibility—it can easily be doubled for potlucks, made ahead for meal prep, or frozen for those nights when you want something homemade without lifting a finger. And let’s be honest: pasta, sausage, and cheese is a trio that’s hard to resist.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This baked ziti is a must-try because it’s:
- Crowd-Friendly: Feeds a large family or group with ease.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of time and baking when needed.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, sauces, or vegetarian options.
- Comforting: Nothing beats gooey cheese and pasta for ultimate comfort food.
If you’ve been looking for a dish that delivers both flavor and practicality, this one checks all the boxes.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8 servings
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (based on 8 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will continue baking).
- Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles until browned.
- Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 3: Mix Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sausage sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half the cooked ziti, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture.
- Add half the remaining sausage sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the dish with foil (tenting slightly to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot) for an authentic Italian experience.
Recipe Tips
- Cook pasta just short of al dente to avoid mushiness.
- For extra creaminess, stir some heavy cream into the sauce.
- Let the baked ziti rest after baking—it holds its shape better.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes.
- Four-Cheese Ziti: Add provolone and fontina cheese to the mozzarella and ricotta mix.
- White Baked Ziti: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure sauce is gluten-free.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer (uncooked): Assemble the dish, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Freezer (cooked): Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a warm, hearty hug on a plate. It combines all the best parts of Italian-American comfort food into one simple, make-ahead-friendly recipe that everyone at the table will love. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, hosting guests, or stocking your freezer for busy nights, this recipe is a must-have in your collection.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella
Description
Few comfort foods are as satisfying and soul-warming as Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—layers of tender pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce, flavorful sausage, and gooey, melty mozzarella cheese baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will continue baking). Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
-
Step 3: Mix Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sausage sauce on the bottom. Layer half the cooked ziti, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture. Add half the remaining sausage sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
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Step 5: Bake: Cover the dish with foil (tenting slightly to prevent sticking). Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
