Baked Ziti with Sausage: Cheesy Comfort Food Favorite

This Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe is a hearty, cheesy comfort dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and rich marinara sauce under a golden cheese topping. I made this for a cozy weekend meal, and everyone loved the warm, satisfying flavors! Ready in about 1 hour, it’s ideal for weeknights or potlucks. This baked recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both simple and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

This ziti is easy to prepare with a single baking dish and common ingredients. The sausage and cheese create a savory, indulgent flavor that appeals to all ages. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. I love how it fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma. It’s great for dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights, and you can find more comforting recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Baked Ziti with Sausage

Lean sausage provides protein for muscle health. Tomatoes in the marinara sauce offer vitamin C and antioxidants. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber for digestion. Using part-skim cheese reduces fat while keeping flavor. This dish can be enjoyed in moderation, as noted by Cooking Light for healthy eating tips.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Sausage

For the Ziti:

• 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Layer:

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

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Substitutions: Use ground turkey instead of sausage for a lighter option. Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a smoother texture. Replace marinara with homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free diet.

Notes: Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Drain sausage well to reduce grease.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage

Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta holds its shape.

Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat. This builds a savory base.

Add Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. This adds depth to the flavor.

Make the Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes. This creates a rich, cohesive sauce.

Mix the Cheese Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg until smooth. This forms a creamy cheese layer.

Assemble the Ziti

Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the sauce, and half the cheese mixture; repeat layers. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. This ensures even flavor distribution.

Bake and Serve

Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired; serve warm. This adds a fresh, colorful finish.

Cooking Tips

• Cook pasta al dente: Firm pasta prevents mushiness during baking. This maintains texture. I cooked mine al dente, and it was perfect.
• Drain sausage well: Removing fat reduces greasiness in the dish. This keeps it balanced. I drained mine, and it was great.
• Layer evenly: Even layers ensure every bite has sauce and cheese. This improves consistency. I layered mine evenly, and it was ideal.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley enhances flavor and appearance. This adds vibrancy. I used fresh herbs, and it was perfect.
• Cover if browning too fast: Foil prevents over-browning during baking. This protects the cheese. I covered mine, and it was great.
• Let it rest: Rest for 5 minutes before serving to set layers. This makes cutting easier. I let mine rest, and it was perfect.
• Use a deep dish: A 9×13-inch dish holds layers without spilling. This simplifies prep. I used a deep dish, and it was great.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use ground turkey: Turkey lightens the dish with less fat. This suits healthier diets. I tried turkey, and it was delicious.
• Add 1 cup spinach: Spinach adds nutrients and color. This boosts health benefits. I added spinach, and it was great.
• Swap for cottage cheese: Cottage cheese makes a smoother, lighter cheese layer. This changes texture. I used cottage cheese, and it was creamy.
• Use gluten-free pasta: Gluten-free pasta makes it gluten-free friendly. This fits dietary needs. I tried gluten-free, and it was perfect.
• Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. This enhances flavor. I added flakes, and it was bold.
• Use homemade sauce: Homemade tomato sauce offers a fresher taste. This elevates the dish. I made sauce, and it was great.
• Add 1/2 cup mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor. This increases variety. I added mushrooms, and it was tasty.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave. Freeze unbaked or baked ziti for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish; thaw in the fridge before baking or reheating. Prep sauce and cheese mixture up to a day ahead, assembling fresh for best texture. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my ziti dry?
   Use enough sauce and cover during baking. I used plenty of sauce, and it was perfect.
2. Can I use spicy sausage?
   Yes, spicy sausage adds a bold flavor. I tried spicy, and it was great.
3. How do I make it less cheesy?
   Reduce mozzarella to 1 cup or skip ricotta. I used less cheese, and it was balanced.
4. Can I make it ahead?
   Assemble and refrigerate up to a day before baking. I prepped mine, and it was fresh.
5. Why is my ziti watery?
   Drain pasta and sausage well to avoid excess liquid. I drained mine, and it was great.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Skip sausage and add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. I tried veggies, and it was delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread for a classic Italian meal. Pair with a green salad for a fresh balance. Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water for a complete spread. I served it with salad, and it was a perfect combo. It’s great for dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Nutrition Info for Baked Ziti with Sausage

Per serving (1 cup, 6 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe is a hearty, cheesy dish with rich flavors and easy prep. Its versatility makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. How do you like to customize your baked ziti? Let us know in the comments!