baked sausage ziti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked sausage ziti recipe

I’m so excited to share this baked sausage ziti recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered this recipe when I was a young mother, looking for ways to feed my family quickly and easily. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or even special occasions.

The combination of juicy sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese is absolute perfection. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they’re always eager to dig in when it’s ready.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how this recipe fits into our hectic lifestyle while still delivering a satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover pasta or veggies you might have on hand.

Over the years, I’ve made some tweaks to the original recipe to suit our tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same. I’ve included all the details below so you can try it out for yourself.

Baked Sausage Ziti

4.7 from 1409 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring ziti pasta baked with savory sausage and tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5Remove the sausage from its casing and add to the skillet.
6Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
7Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Stir well and bring to a simmer.
11Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
12Stir in the cooked sausage.
13In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti, sausage, and tomato sauce.
14Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
15Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
16Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option. Add a layer of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.

Watch Video Of How Baked Sausage Ziti Works

This baked sausage ziti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick dinner solution.

It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and is packed with nutrients from the pasta, veggies, and lean protein sources.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Sausage Ziti

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

The type of sausage you choose will greatly impact the flavor of your baked ziti. For this recipe, I recommend using sweet Italian sausage or breakfast sausage with a mild flavor profile.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage?

While you can use ground beef or turkey as a substitute, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of your dish.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from getting too browned during baking?

To prevent the cheese from getting too browned, cover the dish with foil for most of the cooking time and remove it during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomato paste on hand?

You can omit the tomato paste or substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes.

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