Print

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

cheesy baked ziti with italian sausage - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the browned sausage. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped basil. Mix gently until smooth and creamy.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the sausage sauce until pasta is evenly coated. Add the ricotta mixture and stir gently to distribute without breaking up the cheese too much.
  8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the last 1/2 cup mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Brown sausage well for flavor. Use whole-milk ricotta for creaminess. Let baked ziti rest before serving to set. Optional crushed red pepper flakes add heat. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check marinara label. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta and mozzarella with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian sausage, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-food/