Classic Comfort Perfected: Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Introduction:
Few dishes represent comfort, tradition, and togetherness quite like baked ziti. Rooted in Italian-American home cooking, this oven-baked pasta dish has become a staple at family dinners, celebrations, and casual gatherings. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: tender pasta, rich sauce, savory meat, and melted cheese coming together in a warm, satisfying bake.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage elevates the classic version by introducing bold, seasoned sausage that adds depth, spice, and heartiness. The sausage infuses the sauce with robust flavor, transforming a simple pasta bake into a filling, crave-worthy meal. This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, preparing ahead of time, or enjoying as comforting leftovers throughout the week.
In this article, you will find a complete, thoughtfully structured recipe that walks you through every step of preparing Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. From ingredient selection to storage tips, this guide is designed to help home cooks achieve consistent, delicious results while maintaining flexibility for personal preferences.
Ingredients:
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage relies on a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Ziti pasta is ideal for baking because its tubular shape holds sauce well and maintains structure during cooking. Italian sausage brings seasoned richness, while marinara sauce provides acidity and balance. Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella delivers a gooey melt, and Parmesan contributes a sharp, savory finish.