Description
A simple and savory Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe combining tender ziti noodles, flavorful Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners and family gatherings, this hearty pasta bake delivers comforting warm, cheesy goodness with minimal effort and customizable options.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauces and Cheeses
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Cook the Italian sausage mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the sausage mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the baked ziti: Grease a baking dish and transfer half the pasta mixture into it. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish by evenly sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake the dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta to maintain texture and better sauce absorption.
- Use quality Italian sausage for richer flavor.
- Drain excess grease after cooking sausage to avoid a greasy dish.
- Layer cheese evenly for the best melty consistency.
- Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly to keep the pasta moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg