The Ultimate Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy baked pasta dish, and this Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta checks all the boxes. Combining tender pasta, rich ricotta, and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and comforting. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, baked ziti is a classic Italian-American favorite that’s easy to make and loved by everyone. The best part? This recipe offers a beautiful mix of flavors and textures, from the creamy ricotta filling to the golden, bubbly cheese on top. Let’s dive into what you need to create this delicious baked ziti!

What You’ll Need

To make this Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta, gather these ingredients for a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers:

• Ziti Pasta: Ziti is the classic pasta choice for this dish, as it holds up well during baking and captures the sauce. You’ll need about 1 pound of ziti for this recipe.
• Italian Sausage: Italian sausage adds a hearty, savory flavor that complements the creamy ricotta. Use about 1 pound of sausage, with the casings removed, for easy cooking.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich marinara sauce is essential to coat the pasta and add depth to the dish. Use about 4 cups of marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess and balances the robust flavors of the sausage and marinara. Use 1 cup of ricotta cheese for a soft, smooth layer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, golden topping. Use 2 cups of shredded mozzarella for maximum cheesiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of taste.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth to the sauce. Use 2 cloves, minced, for a mild garlic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning, a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, adds warmth and classic Italian flavor. Use 1 teaspoon to season the sausage and sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are well-balanced.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, comforting baked ziti with layers of creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and hearty sausage.

How to Make (with Full Measurements)

Making this Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta is straightforward and takes only a few steps to assemble. Follow these instructions for a perfectly layered, cheesy baked ziti:

1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of ziti pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage (1 pound, casings removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Sauce: To the cooked sausage, add 4 cups of marinara sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Combine Ricotta and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with 1 cup of ricotta cheese and half of the sausage marinara sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is coated with the sauce and ricotta.
5. Assemble the Ziti in a Baking Dish: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and cover with the rest of the sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
6. Bake and Serve: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

With these steps, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy baked ziti with layers of sausage, marinara, and creamy ricotta ready to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips

Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta is perfect for gatherings, leftovers, or meal prep. Here are some tips for serving and storing it:

Serving Tips

Serve the baked ziti hot from the oven, with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and sausage.

For a full Italian-themed dinner, consider serving this dish with a side of antipasto or roasted vegetables. The savory, cheesy flavors of the baked ziti pair beautifully with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or a classic Caesar salad.

If you’re hosting, baked ziti is a fantastic choice because it’s easy to prepare ahead and can be served family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a portion in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the oven preserves the best texture.

Freezing: Baked ziti freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy baked ziti fresh or as a delicious leftover meal throughout the week.

Mistakes to Avoid

While making baked ziti is easy, a few common mistakes can affect the texture and flavor. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta until just al dente is crucial, as it will continue to soften while baking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the final dish.
2. Skipping the Seasonings: Italian sausage is flavorful, but adding Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt enhances the dish’s overall taste. Don’t skip the seasonings for a well-rounded flavor profile.
3. Adding Cheese Too Early: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are best added in layers to prevent them from clumping or burning. Add cheese at the end for a beautifully melted, golden top.
4. Forgetting to Cover the Dish While Baking: Covering the ziti with foil for the first part of baking helps keep it moist and ensures even heating. Remove the foil toward the end for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
5. Using Too Much Marinara Sauce: While sauce is essential, too much can make the dish overly soupy. Use just enough to coat the pasta and keep it moist, allowing the other ingredients to shine.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a baked ziti that’s perfectly balanced in texture and flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta even better:

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella for Extra Creaminess: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a richer flavor. For an extra creamy texture, consider using fresh mozzarella in place of shredded.
2. Add Fresh Basil to the Ricotta Mixture: Chopped fresh basil adds a lovely, aromatic flavor to the ricotta layer. Simply stir a handful into the ricotta before combining it with the pasta for a fresh twist.
3. Try Spicy Sausage for Added Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. The hint of heat complements the creamy cheese and tangy marinara sauce perfectly.
4. Layer with Spinach or Kale for Extra Nutrition: Add a layer of spinach or kale for added nutrients and color. These greens wilt quickly and blend well with the creamy ricotta and pasta.
5. Let the Ziti Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve, giving you perfect portions every time.

These tips let you personalize your baked ziti, enhancing flavors and textures for a truly delicious meal.

Suggestions

This Baked Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to adapt it further:

1. Make It Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version. These veggies add texture and flavor while keeping the dish satisfying.
2. Use Ground Beef or Turkey Instead of Sausage: For a milder flavor, replace the Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey. Season with Italian herbs to maintain the savory, Italian-inspired taste.
3. Add a Layer of Marinara and Ricotta Mixture: For an even creamier texture, mix some marinara sauce into the ricotta and create a separate layer within the baked ziti. This adds extra flavor and a lovely creaminess.
4. Top with Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme add a refreshing touch to the baked ziti. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for an aromatic boost.
5. Serve with a Side of Garlic Bread or Bruschetta: Garlic bread or bruschetta complements the cheesy, saucy flavors of the baked ziti and adds a satisfying crunch.

These suggestions make it easy to adapt the recipe to fit various tastes, dietary needs, and occasions, ensuring it’s a hit every time.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti without ricotta cheese? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture. Some people also like to use a béchamel sauce or cream cheese as a substitute. However, note that each alternative brings a unique flavor and texture, so choose one that fits your taste.

2. Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time? Yes, baked ziti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s fully heated through.

3. How do I keep my baked ziti from drying out? Covering the dish with foil during the first half of the baking time keeps the moisture in, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly and the pasta stays moist. Adding a bit of extra sauce can also help keep it from drying out, especially if you plan to reheat leftovers.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti? Definitely! Baked ziti freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

5. What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti? To reheat baked ziti without drying it out, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat with a damp paper towel on top to keep the pasta moist.

Related Articles 

If you enjoyed learning about baked ziti, you might also like these comforting Italian-inspired dishes. Here are some of our favorite recipes that complement baked ziti and round out your meal:

• One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Cauliflower and Chickpea Korma

• Mediterranean Kofta Meatballs in Savory Tomato Sauce

• Creamy Coconut Thai Curry with Lemongrass and Veggies

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta is more than just a meal; it’s a gathering point for family and friends, a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. From the chewy pasta to the melty cheese and the savory sausage, every bite brings a taste of Italian comfort. This versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re prepping meals for the week, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a cozy dinner.

With these tips and tricks, mistakes to avoid, and customization ideas, you can confidently create a baked ziti dish that suits your taste and style. It’s a forgiving, adaptable recipe that allows for creative variations, making it a staple in any home cook’s recipe box. So the next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, remember this baked ziti recipe and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort.