Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe
This Sausage Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this classic Italian-American favorite is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Picture layers of tender ziti pasta coated in a savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and bites of flavorful sausage. With its bubbly, golden crust and comforting flavors, this dish will make everyone come back for seconds.
This recipe is simple to make but tastes like it came straight out of an Italian restaurant. The combination of hearty sausage, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In the skillet with the cooked sausage, stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
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Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing Spoon
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta or penne
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 3 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In the skillet with the cooked sausage, stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
- For a veggie twist, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge; bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Sausage Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, loaded with rich and savory flavors, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Bring the flavors of Italy to your table with this Sausage Baked Ziti! It’s an irresistible dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you crave something hearty and delicious. Make it today and savor every bite!
