⁠Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella

Introduction

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella is a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you want a hearty, satisfying meal.

The layers of pasta, sausage, and cheese baked to perfection create a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love. With its golden, bubbly top and rich aroma, this baked ziti is both visually appealing and utterly delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: The combination of sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella is simply irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, hearty flavors.
• Easy to prep ahead: You can assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Easily add vegetables, different meats, or extra cheese for variety.
• Comfort food at its finest: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for a cozy meal.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This Baked Ziti is a must-try because it brings together all your favorite Italian flavors into a single, easy-to-make casserole. The combination of ziti pasta, flavorful sausage, and rich, melty mozzarella creates a dish that is comforting, filling, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories (approx): 480 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Casserole
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
3. Combine Sauce and Sausage: Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet with sausage. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with the sausage sauce. Add ricotta cheese if using. Stir to coat pasta evenly.
5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta until al dente; drain.
2. Cook sausage in skillet until browned; drain fat.
3. Add marinara and seasonings to sausage; simmer 5 minutes.
4. Mix cooked pasta with sauce and ricotta (optional).
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish.
6. Layer pasta mixture and cheeses in dish.
7. Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake 10–15 minutes.
8. Cool slightly; serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Top with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for garnish.
• Pair with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for extra gooey texture.
• Partially cook pasta to avoid overcooking during baking.
• Let baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating for up to 24 hours; bake when ready.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Ziti: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper.
• Chicken Baked Ziti: Substitute sausage with cooked diced chicken.
• Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina cheese along with mozzarella.
• Creamy Tomato: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream to sauce for richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked ziti in a covered, freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave portions for 2–3 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for cooking sausage and sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil for covering

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as a substitute.

Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, ground beef or turkey can be substituted.

Q4: How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure pasta is fully coated with sauce and cover with foil during baking.

Q5: Can I freeze before baking?
Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella is a classic comfort dish that combines hearty pasta, savory sausage, and rich, gooey cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. With its cheesy, flavorful layers and golden, bubbly top, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your home.