Baked Ziti with Sausage

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling casserole of tender pasta tubes nestled in a rich tomato sauce, with pockets of melted cheese and savory Italian sausage in every bite. That’s the irresistible charm of Baked Ziti with Sausage. This classic Italian-American comfort dish combines the hearty flavors of ziti pasta, seasoned sausage, and three types of cheese for a meal that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. You’ll learn how to layer these simple ingredients for maximum flavor and achieve that perfect balance of saucy, cheesy goodness that makes Baked Ziti with Sausage a perennial family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti with Sausage is the ultimate make-ahead comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The contrast between the slightly crispy top layer of cheese and the creamy, saucy pasta beneath creates a textural masterpiece that keeps you coming back for another bite. The Italian sausage adds a robust, savory depth that elevates this dish beyond ordinary pasta bakes, while the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates pockets of gooey, melted goodness throughout.

What makes this version special is the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio – never dry, never soupy – just the right consistency to coat each piece of ziti. Plus, this hearty sausage pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together, making this a practical and delicious addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For this delicious Baked Ziti with Sausage, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (454g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 cans (28 oz/794g each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (480g) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The quality of your Italian sausage will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose a good-quality product with visible herbs and spices. For the best texture, use whole milk ricotta rather than part-skim varieties.

Pro Tips

Perfect Your Pasta

Always cook your ziti just until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish. After draining, toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components of your Baked Ziti with Sausage.

Layer Like a Pro

The secret to exceptional Baked Ziti with Sausage lies in the layering technique. Instead of simply mixing all ingredients together, create distinct layers: sauce on the bottom, then a pasta-cheese mixture, more sauce, and finally a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. This method ensures that every serving has the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese, with that desirable stretchy cheese pull when served.

Rest Before Serving

Allow your baked ziti to rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken slightly and the layers settle, making it easier to serve neat portions. It also prevents tongue-burning, as the internal temperature of the dish remains extremely hot right out of the oven. This resting period is the perfect time to prepare a simple side salad or warm some garlic bread.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest (typically 8-9 minutes). You want the pasta slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sausage Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Add the diced onion to the sausage and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds – be careful not to let it burn! Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain pourable. Remove from heat and let cool slightly while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan, and the egg. Mix well until fully incorporated. Add the chopped fresh basil and stir to distribute evenly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the sausage sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Add the cooked ziti to the remaining cheese mixture and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer half of this pasta-cheese mixture to the baking dish, spreading it in an even layer over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining sauce, then add the rest of the pasta-cheese mixture. Finish with the remaining sauce, ensuring all pasta is covered.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots. Let your Baked Ziti with Sausage rest for 15 minutes before garnishing with additional fresh basil and serving.

Variations

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

For a meatless version, replace the Italian sausage with 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Add extra depth with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast to mimic the savory quality of the sausage. This vegetable pasta bake maintains the hearty appeal of the original while offering a lighter alternative.

Spicy Chicken Baked Ziti

Substitute ground chicken for the sausage and amp up the heat with an additional ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 diced jalapeño sautéed with the onions. This chicken pasta casserole variation is perfect for those who want a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick that complements the spicy tomato sauce beautifully.

Creamy Baked Ziti with Spinach

For a richer version, add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce and fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach (wilted) to the pasta-cheese mixture. This creamy spinach pasta bake introduces a velvety texture and a nutritional boost that balances the indulgence with something green. The mild bitterness of the spinach cuts through the richness perfectly.

Storage and Serving

Baked Ziti with Sausage can be refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Serve your Baked Ziti with Sausage with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a more elegant presentation, pair it with roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze and a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano. For casual gatherings, offer extra Parmesan cheese at the table and a simple side of marinated artichoke hearts to complement the rich, savory flavors of this hearty pasta bake.

FAQs

Can I assemble Baked Ziti with Sausage ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s still cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Yes, while ziti is traditional, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or other medium-sized tubular pasta with good results. The key is choosing a shape that will trap sauce and cheese inside.

My Baked Ziti seems dry. What went wrong?
This typically happens if the pasta was overcooked before baking or if there wasn’t enough sauce. Make sure to cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package directions and ensure the pasta is well-coated with sauce during assembly.

Is it necessary to use three different cheeses?
While you can simplify with just mozzarella, the combination of cheeses creates the signature flavor and texture. Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella gives the stretch, and Parmesan adds a salty depth that makes Baked Ziti with Sausage special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be careful not to overcook it, as gluten-free pasta can become mushy more quickly. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage as some may contain fillers with gluten.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti with Sausage is comfort food at its finest — a bubbling casserole of perfectly cooked pasta, savory sausage, and three cheeses that come together in a symphony of Italian-American flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings family to the table and sends everyone back for seconds, making even the most ordinary weeknight feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this recipe delivers reliable results and that satisfying combination of crispy edges and creamy centers that makes pasta bakes so irresistible.

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