baked ziti with italian sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked ziti with italian sausage recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite baked ziti with Italian sausage recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The story behind this recipe is that it’s a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States, but has since become a staple in many Italian households as well. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

The key to making this recipe truly special is in the technique – you want to make sure your ziti is cooked just right, not too hard or too soft, and that your sausage is nice and browned. I’ve perfected this technique over the years, and I’m happy to share it with you now.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

4.6 from 600 votes

A hearty and comforting pasta bake featuring ziti, spicy Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sausage

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
10Pour in the crushed tomatoes and drained diced tomatoes, then stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
11Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
13In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
14Stir until smooth and well blended.
15In the same large pot used for the pasta, combine the cooked ziti, the browned sausage, and the tomato sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
16Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
17Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella.
18Top with the remaining ziti mixture, then spread the remaining ricotta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
19Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
20Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
21Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Watch Video Of How Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Works

This baked ziti with Italian sausage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor – what more could you ask for?

My family loves when I serve it at family gatherings or just as a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s healthy enough that we can feel good about what we’re putting into our bodies.

Overall, this recipe is a staple in our household – give it a try!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Q: What type of sausage should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either sweet or hot Italian sausage in this recipe – the choice is up to you! Sweet sausage will give your baked ziti a milder flavor, while hot sausage will add a bit of heat. Either way, make sure you cook the sausage until it’s nice and browned before adding it to the ziti.

Q: Can I make this recipe without ground beef?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe without ground beef – simply omit it from the ingredients list and proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed.

Q: How do I store leftover baked ziti?

A: You can store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it by baking it in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

A: Yes, you can freeze this recipe – simply assemble all of the ingredients except for the cheese and bake until hot before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have any ricotta cheese?

A: You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese in this recipe – they’ll give your baked ziti a similar creamy texture.

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