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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage: A Comforting Pasta Dish

This baked ziti with Italian sausage is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of zesty sausage, rich marinara, tender ziti pasta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casing removed)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente (2–3 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare Sausage
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Remove and set aside.
  • Make Sauce
    In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  • Assemble the Casserole
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Mix cooked ziti with sausage and half of the marinara sauce. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the dish, followed by ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta, marinara, and cheeses.
  • Bake
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Serve
    Let the baked ziti cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting results.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Baked ziti, Italian sausage pasta, comfort food, pasta casserole, Italian-American recipes