Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a classic comfort food that brings a smile to every table. Picture this: a warm, cheesy dish bubbling with rich meats, fragrant herbs, and layers of flavor that hug your taste buds just right. It’s easy to whip up this hearty meal, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, the aroma wafting from the oven feels like a warm hug!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, inviting family and friends to gather around, serving up love and laughter. From the gooey mozzarella to the satisfying pasta, each bite tells a story of simple, inviting flavors. And yes, it’s not just delicious; it’s straightforward to make, using ingredients you can find in your pantry or local grocery store. If you’re short on time, you can even prepare it ahead of time, making those busy days just a bit easier. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this mouth-watering Baked Ziti with Sausage!

Why This Recipe Works

Baked Ziti with Sausage perfectly blends savory flavors with creamy textures, crafting a delightful explosion of taste in every mouthful. Imagine how the warmth of the Italian sausage melds beautifully with the rich tomato sauces, creating a comforting hug wrapped in pasta. Plus, this recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients that make it a staple in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re navigating a busy week or just want a satisfying dish to share, this recipe lets you prepare it ahead of time. You can easily make it on the weekend and leave it tucked away in your refrigerator for those hectic weekday dinners. This convenience, paired with the robust flavors, truly makes it a winner in any home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Sausage

It’s hard not to fall in love with Baked Ziti with Sausage! Not only does it delight the taste buds, but it also serves as a warm invitation for gatherings, drawing people together over a shared meal. Each cheesy bite promises a rich flavor that lingers, thanks to the melty mozzarella and flavorful sausage. You’ll find that it’s not just satisfying; it’s incredibly enjoyable for all ages.

You’ll also appreciate the versatility of this dish. Whether feeding picky eaters or accommodating various dietary preferences, Baked Ziti with Sausage stands tall as an adaptable recipe. You can switch ingredients or tweak the spices to cater to everyone at the table, making mealtime enjoyable for all.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne pasta) (453.592 grams)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed) (453.592 grams)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 24 ounces spaghetti sauce (709.765 ml)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce (236.588 ml)
• 15 ounces full-fat ricotta cheese (425.243 grams)
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella (453.592 grams)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and we’ll get this delicious dish started. While it warms up, coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside for later.

Cook the Ziti

In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta along with a teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package’s instructions—usually around 6-8 minutes works well. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Brown the Sausage

Now, let’s give the sausage some love. In a large skillet heated over medium flame, add the Italian sausage. As it cooks, break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until it’s perfectly browned—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once that’s done, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. After these have softened, stir in the dried parsley, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and if you like a little kick, the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the onion turns translucent.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Time to combine our goodness! Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss in the cooked sausage mixture. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and coated with that rich, tasty sauce.

Layer the Ingredients

Grab your prepared baking dish and pour in half of the pasta and sausage mixture. This will form a beautiful base. For the next step, spoon small dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be perfect—just spread them around a bit. After that, sprinkle on 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Finish Layering

Now, add the remaining pasta mixture on top, pressing it down slightly. Don’t forget to finish strong with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, giving it that cheesy, golden topping we all love.

Bake to Perfection

Place your creation in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden. Get ready for the mouth-watering scent to fill your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Once your Baked Ziti with Sausage is out of the oven and cooled for a few minutes, it’s time to serve. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar salad and some crusty garlic bread. If you’re looking for balance, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal, making it even more delightful.

Tips for Success

To ensure your baked ziti turns out perfectly, avoid overcooking the pasta. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so it’s better to leave it slightly firm. Feel free to adjust the level of spices according to your family’s preferences. And one last tip: make sure your cheeses are distributed evenly. This ensures a beautifully melting result throughout.

Variations

Baked Ziti with Sausage is versatile, allowing you to mix things up. Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. You can also substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter texture. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the mix for a nutritious twist!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers—though that’s rare!—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven. For best results, add a splash of tomato sauce to keep your meal nice and moist.

Pairing Ideas

To enhance your dining experience, consider serving Baked Ziti with Sausage alongside a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top not only boosts the visual appeal, but it also adds a fragrant touch to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Baked Ziti with Sausage the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble it in advance, cover, and refrigerate. It’s simple—just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, you can! Ensure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly for storage in the freezer.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through nicely.

4. What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
No worries! You can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you love.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Just skip the sausage and substitute it with hearty vegetables or even plant-based sausage for a delightful, flavorful twist.

Baked Ziti with Sausage offers a delicious, comforting culinary experience that easily adapts to your family’s tastes and schedules. The creamy cheese paired with savory sausage creates a remarkable dish, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family night. Enjoy the rich flavors and heartwarming aroma as this classic recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Print