- Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from pan and set aside. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, cook diced onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Combine sauce and sausage: Return sausage to the skillet and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta cheese (dollops), and half of the mozzarella. Pour half of the sauce over the layer. Repeat with remaining ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Serving and Storage:
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Baked Ziti also freezes well for up to 2 months—cover tightly and thaw before reheating.
Tips:
- Use a mix of sweet and spicy sausage for a flavor boost.
- Reserve a little mozzarella to sprinkle on top just before baking for a golden crust.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish and extra flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Mix ricotta with a beaten egg for a creamier layer.
Conclusion:
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to assemble, customizable with different cheeses or spices, and always a crowd-pleaser, this baked pasta recipe combines Italian flavors with classic home-style comfort. It’s a must-have for your dinner rotation.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, or a combination of sausage and ground beef works well.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight before baking.
Can I use a different pasta?
Penne or rigatoni can be substituted if ziti isn’t available.
How do I get a bubbly, golden cheese topping?
Remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking and broil for 1–2 minutes if desired.