Description
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of baked ziti with Italian sausage—a perfect blend of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and aromatic spices. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Layered with marinara sauce and creamy ricotta, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it an effortless option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Crumble Italian sausage into the skillet; cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in marinara sauce until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta with basil, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti in a greased baking dish; add sausage mixture and dollops of ricotta on top followed by half of the mozzarella.
- Add remaining ziti on top; finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or add spinach for extra veggies. Feel free to use different types of pasta like penne or rigatoni for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven or microwave.