I’m excited to share my take on an Easy Baked Ziti dish featuring ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses layered with tangy marinara sauce. The infusion of garlic, onion and basil creates a delightful medley that truly captivates indeed.

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I’ve always been on the lookout for that recipe that surprises you every time you make it, and this Italian Sausage Baked Ziti did not disappoint. I started by boiling 1 lb of ziti pasta until it was just right.

While waiting, I browned 1 lb of Italian sausage in 2 tbsp olive oil, tossing in a medium chopped onion and 3 garlic cloves for some serious flavor boost. Mixing in a 24 oz jar of marinara sauce gave the sauce a rich, tangy vibe that reminded me of classic Baked Ziti with Sausage and other great ziti recipes out there.

I layered it with smooth ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a good sprinkle of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, along with dried basil and a bit of salt and pepper. I love how this dish is simple yet striking, leaving a lasting impression without too many frills.

Enjoy and dig in!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, the mix of flavors is insane – the Italian sausage and marinara sauce blend with the cheeses to create a rich, comforting taste that makes me feel all warm inside. Second, it’s pretty simple to make even when I’m not in the mood for fancy cooking, which makes it perfect for busy nights. Third, this dish is a winner for feeding a crowd; I love that I can whip it up and everyone leaves satisfied. Lastly, the way the garlic, basil, and that hint of red pepper flakes come together really makes the meal pop – it’s like every bite has a little surprise.

Ingredients

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Ziti pasta gives you a hearty carb boost and holds the sauce really well.
Italian sausage is loaded with protein and bold flavor, even if it’s a bit fatty sometimes.
Olive oil adds healthy fats, making the sauce glossy and the flavor extra smooth.
Onion and garlic bring a deep, savory aroma that makes everything taste better.
Marinara sauce mixes tangy tomatoes with herbs for a zesty, comforting base.
The cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) offer creaminess and salty richness to the dish.
Dried basil and red pepper flakes add a hint of spice and a sweet herbal lift.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ziti pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed and crumbled)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional pinch of red pepper flakes

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until it’s nearly al dente. Drain it and set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds before adding the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, breaking it up as it cooks, and if you like a little kick, add an optional pinch of red pepper flakes now.

4. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and sprinkle in the dried basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.

5. Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cup of ricotta cheese until it blends well with the sausage and sauce.

6. Mix in the drained ziti with the sauce mixture until it’s all evenly coated.

7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a large, lightly greased baking dish. Then sprinkle on half of the shredded mozzarella and a portion of the grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Pour the remaining pasta over the first layer and top it with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

9. Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until you see the cheese fully melted and a little bubbly.

10. Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up a bit, then dig in and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (to preheat 375°F)
2. Large pot (for boiling salted water)
3. Colander (for draining the ziti)
4. Big skillet (or large frying pan to cook the sauce and sausage)
5. Stirring spoon or spatula (for mixing ingredients in the skillet)
6. Cutting board and sharp knife (for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic)
7. Measuring cups and spoons (for the olive oil, ricotta and spices)
8. Large baking dish (for layering and baking the ziti)
9. Optional: Cheese grater (if you need to grate fresh Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

Can I substitute a different pasta for ziti?

Sure, you can use penne or rigatoni if you dont have ziti, but the texture might be a bit different so keep that in mind.

Do I have to remove the sausage casings?

Yes, it's best to remove them so that the sausage cooks evenly and mixes better with the pasta and sauce.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely, if you like a bit more heat just add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

How long should I bake it?

Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and starts to get a little browning on top.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yeah, you can prep everything and then pop it in the fridge, just be sure to bring it to room temperature and add a few extra minutes in the oven when reheating.

Italian Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option or a milder taste.
If you cant find ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works pretty well. Just make sure you drain it first so the texture stays right.
Instead of using a jar of marinara sauce, try making your own tomato sauce. Simmer some chopped tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil for a fresher flavor.
If you’re out of mozzarella cheese, provolone is a cool alternative that melts nicely too. You can even mix both for extra flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your pasta is really just under al dente before you drain it. If it gets too soft then it might overcook during baking and the texture wont be as good.
2. Browning the sausage and cooking the onions together properly is key. You want the sausage to get a really nice sear for a deeper flavor so don’t rush it even if it takes a few extra minutes.
3. When you mix in the ricotta, stir it in after you take the pan off the heat so it doesn’t break down too much. This helps keep the creaminess intact and prevents a curdly mix.
4. Let the baked ziti rest a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This really helps the cheese set a bit and makes it easier to serve without having it all messy.

Italian Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe

Recipe by Toni Baldesera

0.0 from 0 votes

I'm excited to share my take on an Easy Baked Ziti dish featuring ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses layered with tangy marinara sauce. The infusion of garlic, onion and basil creates a delightful medley that truly captivates indeed.

Servings

servings

Calories

600

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (to preheat 375°F)
2. Large pot (for boiling salted water)
3. Colander (for draining the ziti)
4. Big skillet (or large frying pan to cook the sauce and sausage)
5. Stirring spoon or spatula (for mixing ingredients in the skillet)
6. Cutting board and sharp knife (for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic)
7. Measuring cups and spoons (for the olive oil, ricotta and spices)
8. Large baking dish (for layering and baking the ziti)
9. Optional: Cheese grater (if you need to grate fresh Parmesan cheese)

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed and crumbled)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional pinch of red pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until it's nearly al dente. Drain it and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds before adding the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned, breaking it up as it cooks, and if you like a little kick, add an optional pinch of red pepper flakes now.
Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and sprinkle in the dried basil, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cup of ricotta cheese until it blends well with the sausage and sauce.
Mix in the drained ziti with the sauce mixture until it’s all evenly coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a large, lightly greased baking dish. Then sprinkle on half of the shredded mozzarella and a portion of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour the remaining pasta over the first layer and top it with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until you see the cheese fully melted and a little bubbly.
Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up a bit, then dig in and enjoy!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.