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baked ziti with sausage
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baked ziti with sausage

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 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. 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. 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. Cover loosely Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
  7. with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • 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.