Description
This Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting Italian classic made with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, this dish is easy to assemble, customizable, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sausage:
16 oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 pound Italian sausage
For the Cheese Filling:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
32 oz marinara sauce
For Garnish (Optional):
Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Discard any excess fat and set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese: Add ricotta mixture, cooked sausage, and marinara sauce to the pasta. Stir gently to combine without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan. Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese is golden and pasta is bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble ziti up to a day in advance; refrigerate and bake when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add crushed chili for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
