There is something incredibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake, and this Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe hits all the right notes. Rich with savory Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella melted to golden perfection, this dish is a celebration of flavors and textures. It’s just the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with eager smiles and makes you feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in a warm, delicious hug. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this baked ziti will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first fun step toward making this Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe truly sing. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding hearty flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color to transform simple pasta into a show-stopping dish.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta that captures sauce beautifully inside and out for every bite.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds a robust and spicy flavor that gives this dish its signature savory depth.
- Large onion: Finely chopped to infuse sweet aroma and subtle crunch after sautéing.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to bring that unmistakable, mouthwatering Italian essence.
- Carrot: Finely diced to subtly boost natural sweetness and add a gentle texture contrast.
- Celery stalk: Adds refreshing crunch and aromatic notes that enhance the sauce complexity.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens and intensifies the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the sausage and tomato flavors.
- Tomato basil sauce: The rich, saucy backbone that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to balancing flavors and accentuating every ingredient.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, offering a luscious layer of softness inside the bake.
- Reserved pasta cooking water: Used to loosen the ricotta for smoother mixing and better sauce adherence.
- Shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, golden perfection that makes the top irresistibly cheesy.
- Grated parmesan: A sharp, nutty finishing touch that adds complexity and a crisp crust.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Sausage
Start by boiling the ziti in salted water until just al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Remember to reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this magical liquid will help create a creamy sauce later. While the pasta boils, cook the ground Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. The sausage releases savory juices that form the flavorful base of your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Into the same skillet, add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté these until softened and fragrant, which builds layers of flavor that will make the sauce irresistible. The sweetness from the carrot balances the tang of the tomatoes, while the celery adds a subtle crunch and earthiness.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking until the paste slightly darkens and smells rich. Then pour in the tomato basil sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let everything simmer gently. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s thick, vibrant, and bursting with Italian zest.
Step 4: Mix Ricotta and Adjust Sauce Consistency
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Ladle in 4 to 8 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water gradually, stirring to loosen the ricotta until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. This step ensures the cheese blends into the baked ziti uniformly instead of clumping, offering a silky texture within each forkful.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage-tomato sauce mixture, and the ricotta blend. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite. For a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes can invite some heat, and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the dish with fruity richness.
Side Dishes
Complement your baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is another classic pairing—perfect for sopping up any extra sauce on your plate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring a healthy, colorful contrast to this indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, bake the ziti in a beautiful ceramic or cast-iron dish that goes straight from oven to table. Smaller portions can be baked in individual ramekins for an elegant single-serving presentation. Sprinkle parmesan right before serving for an extra touch of flair and flavor in every portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier!
Freezing
This baked ziti also freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking, or freeze the whole assembled dish. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat through completely.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil to keep moisture in. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or sauce when reheating helps keep the dish wonderfully creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides a classic flavor, you can substitute with spicy chorizo, sweet breakfast sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving pasta cooking water is a great trick here because its natural starch helps loosen the ricotta, allowing for a creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. If you forget, a splash of milk or broth can work too.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to keep the dish robust and satisfying. Using vegetarian Italian sausage alternatives is another tasty route.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t available, softened cream cheese works beautifully to maintain creaminess. A blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese can also be used to mimic ricotta’s texture and flavor.
How do I know when the baked ziti is fully cooked?
The baked ziti is done once the cheese is melted and bubbling with a lightly browned top and the sauce is hot throughout. Baking for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit usually achieves this perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate, this Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe delivers that and so much more. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser with layers of flavor and comforting textures that make every bite something special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners alike. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and make magic happen in your kitchen tonight.
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Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty and comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce studded with garlic, onion, carrot, and celery, and a creamy blend of ricotta and melted mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish combines layers of savory sausage sauce and cheesy pasta baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) box ziti, cooked, drained (reserve 1/2 cup cooking water) and cooled
Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 stick celery, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 (14-oz) jars tomato basil sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or softened cream cheese or a mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4–8 tablespoons reserved pasta cooking water
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then set the pasta aside to cool.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning and cook for another 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the two jars of tomato basil sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Mix Cheese and Pasta: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cream cheese mixture) with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 4-8 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the mixture slightly for better consistency. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked ziti with the cheese mixture and half of the prepared sausage tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Spoon the remaining sausage tomato sauce over the pasta, then layer the rest of the pasta on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or beef for a leaner option.
- Adding reserved pasta water to the cheese mixture helps keep the sauce creamy and well combined.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables instead.
