Name: Baked Ziti with Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed; 12 ounces ziti pasta; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste

If you're craving the ultimate cheesy, crave-worthy comfort food, this is it-Baked Ziti with Sausage is absolutely irresistible! Each bite is packed with juicy Italian sausage, creamy melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that hugs every noodle. The pasta bakes to golden perfection, blending robust flavors and oozy textures that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

What makes this recipe a standout? It's incredibly simple, totally make-ahead friendly, and generously feeds a hungry crowd. Just assemble, bake, and watch it disappear at potlucks, weeknight dinners, or your next family get-together.

This ziti is inspired by Sunday suppers at my grandmother's, bringing all the nostalgia of classic Italian-American comfort-no reservations required!

Baked Ziti with Sausage fresh from the oven, bubbling with cheese and flecked with basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super easy to make: Minimal prep and simple steps mean you can get dinner on the table fast-even on busy weeknights.
Incredible flavor in every bite: Hearty sausage, herbs, and cheese meld to create that classic Italian taste everyone craves.
Perfect for feeding a crowd: This recipe makes plenty; it's deal for large families or entertaining.
Make-ahead and freezer friendly: You can prep it ahead, bake it later, and even freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

Key Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Sausage

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage

Sausage is the star of this dish, infusing the sauce and pasta with bold, savory flavor. I love using sweet or mild Italian sausage, but you can swap in hot sausage for a punch of heat. If using links, be sure to remove the casings before browning so the meat crumbles well. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage are lighter options that still pack flavor.

Ziti Pasta

Classic ziti pasta has straight-cut edges and a hollow center, making it perfect for trapping sauce and cheese. You can substitute penne or rigatoni if needed-just cook to al dente, since the pasta will soften further in the oven.

Ricotta Cheese

Creamy ricotta is key for that luscious, layered texture. Full-fat ricotta melts beautifully, but you can use part-skim to cut down on calories. No ricotta? Cottage cheese is a workable sub, though it will be less rich.

Marinara Sauce

A high-quality marinara brings bright, herby tomato flavor. Use your favorite jarred variety for ease, or homemade if you have time. You can add some red pepper flakes for a bit of spice or stir in extra garlic for a homemade touch.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Freshly shredded mozzarella gives that irresistible stretch, while Parmesan adds salty depth and an oven-browned top. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but grating from the block ensures the best melt and flavor.

Instructions for Baked Ziti with Sausage

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside-don't overcook, as the pasta will finish baking in the oven.

Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and crumbled, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Make the Sauce

Add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until creamy and well blended. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture (dollop and gently spread), and half the sausage sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake Until Golden

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-forward delight. Use your favorite plant-based crumbles for a meatless version that's just as hearty.

Gluten-Free Twist

Trade the traditional ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your marinara and sausage are gluten-free as well to keep the whole casserole safe for everyone.

Lighten It Up

Choose turkey sausage and part-skim cheeses to reduce calories and fat without giving up flavor. Even cottage cheese works instead of ricotta if you're keeping it lighter.

Spicy Kick

Prefer more heat? Go for hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. A pinch of cayenne works too!

Extra Cheesy

Love it super gooey? Add an extra cup of mozzarella or toss in provolone slices for over-the-top cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage hot from the oven, garnished with extra chopped parsley or fresh basil for a burst of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, garlic bread for sopping up sauce, and a glass of red wine for classic comfort. Add roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens to round out the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Baked ziti freezes beautifully-wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Sausage (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Baked Ziti with Sausage ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q: What sausage works best for this recipe?

A: Italian pork sausage (mild, sweet, or hot) gives the classic flavor, but turkey or chicken sausage are great options if you want to make it lighter.

Q: Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

A: Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Whether you're feeding your family or a full table of friends, Baked Ziti with Sausage always delivers cheesy, supremely satisfying flavor. So easy, so comforting-give it a try and let me know how your crew loves it! Please leave a rating or comment below.