Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe
I’m about to share something that’ll make your weeknight dinner game absolutely unstoppable. This cheesy Italian sausage baked ziti hits every comfort food craving you didn’t even know you had, and honestly, it’s so simple that even my most kitchen-phobic friends could pull it off. The best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients lurking in your pantry right now, just waiting to become something magical.
Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
When you’re craving comfort food that’ll make your whole house smell like an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, this cheesy Italian sausage baked ziti delivers every single time. I mean, what’s not to love about tender pasta swimming in rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and enough melted mozzarella to make your cheese-loving heart sing?
This recipe hits all the comfort food buttons without requiring a culinary degree. You get hearty Italian sausage for protein, three different cheeses for ultimate indulgence, and that perfect golden-bubbly top that makes everyone gather around the table like hungry vultures.
Plus, it freezes beautifully for future lazy nights.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti?
This baked ziti recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients you can grab at any grocery store. No hunting down exotic spices or fancy imported cheeses here – just solid, dependable ingredients that know how to work together like an old married couple.
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list that somehow creates magic when combined. You’re looking at pasta, sausage, three types of cheese, and a good tomato sauce as your foundation, plus a few supporting players that help everything come together into cheesy perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 (28 ounce) jar pasta sauce
A Few Notes About Your Shopping List
When you’re picking out Italian sausage, you get to choose your own adventure here – sweet or spicy both work beautifully. Sweet Italian sausage keeps things mellow and crowd-pleasing, while hot sausage adds a little kick that cuts through all that creamy cheese. If you’re cooking for kids or sensitive palates, stick with sweet.
For the ricotta, grab the full-fat version if you can. I know, I know – we’re all trying to be healthier, but part-skim ricotta can get a little grainy when baked, and nobody wants sad, curdled cheese in their comfort food masterpiece.
The pasta sauce situation is totally flexible. You can absolutely use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, but a good quality jarred marinara works perfectly fine. Look for one without too many weird additives – you want something that tastes like actual tomatoes, not a chemistry experiment.
Fresh parsley beats dried every single time if you can swing it, but dried works in a pinch. Just use about half the amount since dried herbs pack more concentrated flavor than their fresh counterparts.
How to Make this Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
Making baked ziti is like riding a bike – once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was complicated. The whole process is really just cooking a few things separately, then throwing them all together in a dish and letting the oven work its magic.
Start by getting your oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, because nothing’s worse than having everything ready to go and then standing around waiting for your oven to catch up. Trust me, your hungry family won’t appreciate the delay.
Cook your 1 lb ziti pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente – that’s Italian for “still has a little bite to it.” You don’t want mushy pasta here because it’s going to spend more time in the oven later. Drain it well and set it aside while you work on the other components.
While the pasta’s cooking, get that 1 lb Italian sausage browned up in a large skillet. Break it apart as it cooks so you end up with nice bite-sized pieces rather than giant chunks. Once it’s cooked through and nicely browned, chop it up if needed and set it aside.
Now comes the cheese mixing part, which is where this dish really starts to come together. In a large bowl, mix together the 15 ounce container of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1-1/2 cups of the 2 cups mozzarella cheese (save that last half cup for the top), and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. The egg helps everything bind together nicely, so don’t skip it even though it might seem weird to crack an egg into cheese.
Add your cooked sausage and drained pasta right into that ricotta mixture. Then pour in 3/4 of your 28 ounce jar pasta sauce, saving the rest for the top layer. Mix everything together until it’s all coated and combined – it should look like a gloriously messy, cheesy pasta salad at this point.
Transfer this whole beautiful mess into a 2 quart casserole dish. Spread the remaining pasta sauce over the top, then sprinkle on that last half cup of mozzarella cheese. This creates that gorgeous golden, bubbly top that makes baked ziti so irresistible.
Pop it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until it’s hot all the way through and the cheese on top is melted and starting to get those lovely golden spots. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the whole kitchen smells like an Italian grandmother’s house.
Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving – I know it’s torture to wait when it smells so good, but this cooling time helps everything set up so you don’t end up with a complete cheese avalanche when you try to serve it.
Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti Substitutions and Variations
Since baked ziti is basically the most forgiving dish in the Italian-American comfort food playbook, you can swap ingredients around like you’re playing kitchen Tetris and still end up with something delicious.
I’d swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even crumbled bacon. Hate ricotta? Use cottage cheese instead. No ziti? Penne, rigatoni, or shells work perfectly.
Want it lighter? Try part-skim cheeses or add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Feeling fancy? Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil.
The beauty is that as long as you’ve got pasta, cheese, and sauce, you’re golden.
What to Serve with Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
Baked ziti’s rich, cheesy goodness practically demands sidekicks that can either cut through all that indulgence or complement it without competing for attention.
I always reach for a crisp Caesar salad—those sharp, garlicky flavors slice right through the creamy cheese like a culinary knife.
Garlic bread feels obvious, but honestly? Sometimes obvious works perfectly.
The buttery crunch gives your mouth a textural break from all that melted mozzarella.
For something lighter, I’d suggest roasted broccoli or green beans.
The slight char and natural bitterness create a beautiful contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
Final Thoughts
When I think about comfort food that actually delivers on its promises, this cheesy Italian sausage baked ziti sits right at the top of my list.
Look, I’m not claiming this’ll change your life or anything. But when you need something warm, satisfying, and ridiculously cheesy? This recipe’s got your back.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—no fancy techniques, just solid ingredients doing their thing.
Plus, it freezes like a dream. Future you’ll thank present you when dinner’s already handled on those chaotic weeknights.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that just work, you know?
Cheesy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 28 oz jar pasta sauce (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Italian sausage in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the ricotta mixture, stirring to combine.
- Mix in ¾ of the pasta sauce, reserving the remainder for topping.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with remaining pasta sauce and the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly throughout.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven and prevent mushiness.
- You can substitute sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference, or use a combination of both.
- To freeze: Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Can be removed from dish once frozen and stored in freezer bags.
- To reheat from frozen: Thaw completely, cover and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well in the microwave.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Yes, I can make this baked ziti ahead of time. I’ll assemble it completely, then cover with foil and freeze. When I’m ready to eat, I’ll thaw and bake as directed.
How Long Does Leftover Baked Ziti Last in the Refrigerator?
I’d store leftover baked ziti in the refrigerator for three to four days maximum. I’ll make sure it’s properly covered in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Use Mild Italian Sausage Instead of Spicy?
I’d absolutely recommend using mild Italian sausage instead of spicy. It’ll create a more family-friendly dish while maintaining all the delicious Italian flavors. The recipe works perfectly with either sausage variety you prefer.
What Size Baking Dish Works Best for This Recipe?
I’d recommend using a 2-quart casserole dish as specified in the recipe. This size perfectly accommodates all the ingredients without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and proper cheese melting throughout the baked ziti.
Can I Add Vegetables Like Spinach or Bell Peppers?
I’d recommend adding vegetables when you cook the sausage. Sauté spinach or diced bell peppers with the sausage, then follow the recipe as written for delicious results.