If you are craving a dish that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate, this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Every forkful brings together perfectly cooked ziti pasta coated in a rich, savory marinara enhanced with spiced Italian sausage, creaminess from ricotta, and a golden, melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian-American comfort food is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that just get better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in the overall flavor and texture. From the hearty pasta to the creamy cheeses and robust sausage, these components blend seamlessly to create a dish that’s both satisfying and irresistibly delicious.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: Tubular pasta that holds sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: Adds savory depth and a little spice kick.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aromatic foundation when cooked with sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, garlicky note that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Rich tomato base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brightens and rounds out the sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild tang for luscious layers.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta for easy dolloping and slight richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan: Boosts savory umami and adds a hint of nuttiness.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness before serving.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your baking dish will be ready the moment everything is assembled. Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta until it’s just al dente — tender but still with a slight bite so it won’t turn mushy during baking. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it starts to brown, add diced onion and cook until they become soft and translucent, letting those flavors marry beautifully. Toss in minced garlic last, cooking for just about a minute until fragrant. This layering builds the rich, hearty foundation needed for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage mixture, then stir in the Italian seasoning. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste — this step is where you fine-tune the savory depth of your dish.
Step 4: Mix Ricotta Filling
While the sauce simmers, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This blend creates creamy dollops that will give your baked ziti bursts of luscious, rich texture throughout.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with most of the sausage marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella. This coats the pasta nicely and distributes those cheesy, saucy flavors evenly.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup and start layering. Spread half of the sauced pasta into the dish, then dot it with spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Repeat this layering with the remaining pasta and ricotta. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. This layering technique ensures each bite is loaded with delicious ingredients.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled ziti uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling all over and golden on top. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven — this sets the layers slightly and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely pop of green and a burst of freshness that elevates the richness of this baked dish. Sprinkle chopped herbs just before serving to brighten each plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls also make fantastic companions to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the baked ziti in mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions or layer it in clear glass dishes for a stunning presentation that shows off the cheesy layers. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving can bring an extra flavor pop too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, it freezes well either before or after baking. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but cover to retain moisture and prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well, though it won’t have quite the same spiced kick. You can add additional seasonings like fennel seed or red pepper flakes to mimic that Italian sausage flavor.
Is ricotta cheese necessary in this recipe?
Ricotta adds a creamy texture and mild tang that complements the savory sausage and cheese layers. You can skip it or substitute with cottage cheese, but the richness might be slightly different.
What pasta can I substitute if I don’t have ziti?
Penne, rigatoni, or most tubular short pastas are great substitutes. They all hold sauce and cheese nicely for this baked dish.
Can I prepare this dish vegan or dairy-free?
It’s possible with vegan substitutes for sausage, ricotta, and cheeses, but the texture and flavor will change. Look for plant-based cheeses that melt well and vegan ricotta alternatives for the closest experience.
How spicy is this dish with mild Italian sausage?
Using mild sausage results in a comforting, gentle flavor that’s perfect for all palates. If you like heat, switch to spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely cannot recommend this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and homey at the same time, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Take the time to make it — your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you endlessly for it!
