Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage: Ultimate Pasta Comfort Food

Introduction To Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage

When it comes to comfort food that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone satisfied, Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage is a top-tier contender. With layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, flavorful sausage, and an indulgent blend of cheeses, it’s a dish that brings people together around the dinner table with smiles and second helpings.

This baked ziti recipe takes the hearty, classic elements of Italian-American cooking and elevates them with the addition of savory Italian sausage and generous amounts of melted mozzarella and ricotta. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures, baked to bubbly perfection in one cozy casserole dish.

Why is this recipe so popular?

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage has become a beloved staple in many kitchens due to its crowd-pleasing nature and comforting, familiar flavors. Here’s why it stands out:

• It’s a pasta classic – A close cousin to lasagna, but easier and quicker to make.
• Family favorite – The rich tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta are universally loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and reheat throughout the week.
• Freezer-friendly – Bake one now and freeze another for later.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap meats, or tweak the cheese to your liking.

Its blend of meaty, cheesy, and saucy goodness hits all the right notes for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Cheesy and comforting – Perfectly gooey and rich with every bite.
• Flavor-packed – The Italian sausage adds a bold, meaty depth.
• Feeds a crowd – Great for parties, potlucks, or large family dinners.
• Easy to make – Basic ingredients, simple steps, big payoff.
• Versatile – Use different meats, cheeses, or even gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24–26 oz) marinara sauce or homemade
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (to mix into ricotta for stability)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl (or the pasta pot), combine the cooked ziti with the sausage tomato sauce and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix gently.

Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently swirl with a spoon. Repeat with remaining pasta and ricotta.

Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch.

Variation:

• Add vegetables – Try spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Make it spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian version – Omit the sausage and use a plant-based alternative or extra veggies.
• Swap cheeses – Mix in provolone, fontina, or gouda for a richer flavor.
• Use penne or rigatoni – These pasta shapes also hold sauce well.

Cooking Note:

• Be sure to cook your pasta al dente—it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Let the casserole rest after baking to avoid a runny interior.
• You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate before baking the next day.
• For freezer storage, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen, covered with foil for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a crisp green salad with Italian dressing.
• Add a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
• Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot.
• Finish the meal with a light dessert like tiramisu or sorbet.

Tips:

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Double the recipe and freeze one for later.
• Lightly oil the foil to prevent cheese from sticking during baking.
• If ricotta isn’t your favorite, substitute with cottage cheese or a béchamel layer.
• Add a layer of sliced fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey topping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fats: 28g

(Nutrition will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.)

Conclusion:

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage is everything you love about a comforting pasta bake: bold flavors, melty cheese, savory meat, and saucy goodness all in one dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a gathering. Whether you’re feeding a big family or looking for hearty leftovers that reheat like a dream, this baked ziti earns a permanent spot in your recipe collection. With its rich flavor and effortless preparation, it’s a pasta night classic that never goes out of style.

So next time you’re craving something filling, warm, and cheesy, skip the lasagna layers and dive into a generous helping of baked ziti bliss.