Baked Ziti with Sausage is the kind of warm, bubbling casserole that brings people together. It’s packed with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just want to enjoy a cozy homemade dinner, this baked ziti delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This is more than just pasta—it’s a layered, oven-baked experience. Browning the sausage adds bold, savory depth, while a generous amount of mozzarella and ricotta create that classic creamy texture. Unlike a simple pasta-and-sauce dish, baking it allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into every bite. It’s freezer-friendly, feeds a crowd, and is endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauciness)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Add the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Assemble the Layers

In the prepared baking dish, spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom. Add half the cooked pasta, then dollop half the ricotta, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and spoon over sauce. Repeat the layers and finish with extra cheese on top.

6. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

7. Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Veggie Version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Meat Lovers: Add ground beef or pepperoni to the sausage mixture.
Creamy Twist: Mix a little heavy cream into the sauce for added richness.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Foil (for covering while baking)

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 520
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until hot.
Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 60–70 minutes.

My Cooking Experience

Baked Ziti with Sausage is one of those dependable go-to recipes in my kitchen. I often prep it ahead for busy nights or double the batch to freeze one for later. It’s especially great for feeding hungry guests—you just can’t go wrong with melted cheese and hearty pasta in a savory tomato sauce. Everyone always asks for seconds.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate family-style comfort dish—easy to make, satisfying to eat, and adaptable to any occasion. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or making it for Sunday dinner, this cheesy, saucy bake never disappoints.

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