If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ziti pasta swimming in a rich marinara sauce, layered with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and a melty blanket of mozzarella that browns beautifully in the oven. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy kick of Italian sausage to the smooth creaminess of ricotta, every component adds to the magic of this baked ziti.
- 12 oz ziti pasta: Tubular pasta that holds sauce perfectly, giving you lots of flavor in every bite.
- ½ lb Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory, and slightly spicy depth to the sauce; brown it for the best flavor.
- 1½ cups marinara sauce: A robust tomato base that ties everything together with acidity and sweetness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Brings a creamy, luscious texture that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly for that gooey, bubbly cheese topping everyone loves.
- ¼ cup Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella and ricotta beautifully.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Starting with perfectly cooked pasta is key. Boil your ziti until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy after baking and lets it soak up all the sauce without turning soggy.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta cooks, crumble and brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step releases the sausage’s savory oils and caramelizes the edges, building a deep flavor that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Combine Sausage with Marinara Sauce
Once browned, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and ensures the sauce is warm and ready to layer.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, start layering the components: begin with a base of pasta, then spoon over the sausage marinara, add dollops of ricotta, and scatter shredded mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375 °F (190 °C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final bake melds all the layers together and creates that irresistible crispy cheese crust.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma that balances the richness. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the experience even further.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted focaccia on the side provides the perfect crunchy contrast to each creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins for a fun, personal presentation. Alternatively, scoop into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers or zucchini boats to combine veggies and pasta in one beautiful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for easy delicious lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This baked ziti freezes wonderfully. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions covered with foil in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or pop a serving in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heat.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work just fine, though Italian sausage adds a unique savory and slightly spicy flavor that really defines this dish.
Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?
Ricotta provides creaminess and balances the acidity of the marinara sauce. While you can omit it, the texture and richness won’t be quite the same.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives to keep it flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
What type of marinara sauce is best?
Use a high-quality marinara sauce with a good balance of acidity and sweetness. Homemade or store-bought both work well, just avoid overly watery or bland varieties.
How do I make the top extra crispy?
In the last few minutes of baking, switch your oven to broil and watch carefully until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. This creates a lovely crispy crust on top.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe is a true champion of comfort food—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing around the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes a go-to weeknight favorite or your most-requested entertaining dish. So grab your ingredients, warm up that oven, and get ready to enjoy a little cheesy, tomatoey magic.
Print
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Classic baked ziti loaded with savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection — the ultimate comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Meat
- ½ lb Italian sausage
Sauces & Cheeses
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes, then drain well to prevent sogginess.
- Brown Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the browned sausage in the skillet and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, then top with half of the sausage and marinara mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese across the layer and sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sausage sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Add fresh spinach or roasted red peppers to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Italian sweet or spicy sausage based on your preferred heat level.
- For a richer dish, mix some shredded mozzarella into the ricotta before layering.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
