Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that’ll make your family ask for seconds (and maybe even thirds), then you’re in the right place. I absolutely adore this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe because it hits all the right notes—creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked pasta, savory sausage, and loads of melty cheese. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-tos for busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners alike. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe come together to create the classic flavors of Italian home cooking. Each component plays a crucial part, from the pasta to the seasoning, so I recommend grabbing quality Italian sausage and fresh ricotta for the best results.

• Ziti or penne pasta: Classic tubular pasta holds sauces well, and it’s what makes baked ziti so satisfying.
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the cooked pasta from sticking and adds a subtle fruity note.
• Italian sausage: Choose sweet or spicy based on your preference; I often use mild for family-friendly meals.
• Marinara sauce: Go for a good quality jar or homemade if you have it—this is the backbone of your tomato flavor.
• Ricotta cheese: Gives creamy richness; I always get the whole-milk kind for the dreamiest texture.
• Large egg: Binds the cheese mixture, making everything hold together nicely.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey cheesiness both inside and on top of the bake.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth; freshly grated if possible.
• Fresh basil: Brightens up the dish and enhances Italian flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary gives that authentic taste.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors forward.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over time, I’ve played around with some tasty twists that make it just right for whatever mood I’m in or dietary needs I have to accommodate.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage for a comforting meatless version my friends loved.
• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes and use spicy Italian sausage for a bold heat that wakes up the taste buds.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try adding fontina or provolone with the mozzarella; it’s a family favorite trick of mine.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta – just be sure to check the cook time as it might vary slightly.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your ziti or penne until it’s just al dente—this is key because the pasta will cook more in the oven, so you want it to have a little bite to it. Once drained, drizzle a splash of olive oil over it and stir gently to make sure it doesn’t clump together. I always find this little trick prevents the pasta from turning into a sticky mess later on!

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, or until no pink remains. At this point, I drain any excess fat—especially if the sausage is super greasy—to keep the bake from being too oily. Set the sausage aside and wipe out the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want that little hint of heat. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper—you don’t want it bland because it’s the creamy heart of this dish. This blend is what gives the baked ziti its luscious texture and depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sausage, Sauce, and Cheese

Transfer the cooked pasta into a large bowl, then add the ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and the cooked sausage. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to break the pasta. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce, cheese, and sausage meld into a dreamy, cohesive dish that’s hard to resist.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your cheesy, saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top—this will form that irresistible golden crust. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is beautifully browned. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes to settle. If you have fresh basil on hand, scatter some chopped leaves over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a few fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top right before serving. It adds such a fresh pop of herbal fragrance that brightens up the richness. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil also elevates the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

The beauty of baked ziti is it’s a full meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, I often serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or simple garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus are also great companions for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes bake the ziti in individual ramekins which makes a cute, personalized touch and saves portioning at the table. Another fun idea is layering the pasta and cheese mixtures in clear glass bakeware for a pretty visual of all the layers—your guests will be impressed before even taking a bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve enjoyed your fresh baked ziti, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps well for up to 5 days, which is great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this recipe freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes so it heats evenly without drying out. Adding a little extra shredded mozzarella on top before reheating restores that freshly baked cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe because it brings such warmth and happiness to the table—just like a hug in pasta form. It’s one of those dishes where every forkful feels like a little celebration. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, invite your loved ones, and dive into this comforting Italian classic. I promise, you’re going to make some beautiful memories (and delicious leftovers!) with this one.

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