Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage | Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

Few dishes say crowd-pleasing dinner quite like a pan of baked ziti pulled straight from the oven, edges crisp, center creamy, and cheese stretching with every scoop. This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is the kind of recipe that brings people together—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, celebrations, or those nights when you simply want something comforting and reliable. It’s generous, familiar, and deeply satisfying in a way only baked pasta can be.

At its heart, this dish is all about layers of flavor and texture. Tender ziti pasta is coated in a rich tomato sauce simmered with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs. Creamy ricotta adds softness, while mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a gooey, golden topping that’s impossible to resist. Every bite balances hearty meatiness, tangy sauce, and indulgent cheese, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. 😊

What truly makes baked ziti special is its flexibility and forgiving nature. You can prepare it ahead of time, double the recipe for a crowd, or customize it to suit your tastes without losing its soul. It’s a dish rooted in tradition, inspired by Italian-American kitchens where food is meant to be shared, enjoyed slowly, and remembered fondly. Whether served with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread, this baked ziti promises comfort, warmth, and that wonderful feeling of home. Let’s get started.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Sausage Sauce

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layers

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
• 2 cups fresh spinach, wilted
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well and set aside. Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it holds up beautifully during baking.
2. Brown the Sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Build the Sauce
   Add chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley or basil. Mix until smooth and creamy. This layer adds richness and structure to the baked ziti.
5. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
6. Assemble the Layers
   Spread a thin layer of sausage sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
7. Bake Until Bubbling
   Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. Rest and Serve
   Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Finish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. 🍝

Notes

• This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
• For extra creaminess, add a layer of béchamel or a splash of cream to the sauce.
• Swap sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information

This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a hearty, satisfying meal rich in protein, carbohydrates, and comforting fats. It’s indulgent, filling, and perfect for sharing as part of a balanced meal with vegetables on the side.

⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~550
🍽️ Servings: 8

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!