Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella

Introduction

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food. Imagine tender pasta baked in layers with a hearty tomato-sausage sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey melted mozzarella. It’s warm, filling, and absolutely satisfying—like a cozy hug in casserole form.

This dish is a favorite at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or potlucks because it can feed a crowd, is easy to prepare ahead of time, and tastes even better the next day. It’s essentially lasagna’s simpler cousin—just as cheesy and hearty, but far less fussy to make.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I adore about Italian comfort food—pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce—into one beautiful baked dish. The sausage adds depth and spice, while the ricotta and mozzarella bring creaminess and stretchiness that make every bite indulgent.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sausage (mild or spicy), add vegetables, or swap cheeses to fit your taste. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead for busy nights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A crowd-pleasing meal that feeds many.
• Easier and faster than lasagna, but just as comforting.
• Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks.
• Can be prepped ahead and baked when ready.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~540 kcal

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 ½ cups (350 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Make sausage-tomato sauce.
3. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, and egg.
4. Layer pasta with sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, half the sauce, and half the mozzarella.
   • Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake:
   • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.

How to Serve

• Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
• Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, and a glass of red wine.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Cook pasta slightly underdone—it finishes in the oven.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for better melting.
• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of sausage.
• Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina for even more gooeyness.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
• White Ziti: Skip tomato sauce and use Alfredo or béchamel sauce instead.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
• Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, portion, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sauce
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and versatile enough to adapt to your taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, this classic Italian-American casserole will always be a crowd-pleaser.