Cheesy Ziti with Sausage

Sausage & Ricotta Ziti Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish the whole family will love. This filling casserole layers tender ziti noodles with a meaty sausage tomato sauce and creamy cheese blend, all finished with gooey melted mozzarella on top. It's great for family get-togethers, weeknight meals, or making ahead—giving you that classic baked pasta comfort without much fuss.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Diced onion: 1 small, sautéed with the meat for flavor
• Italian sausage: 1 lb, cooked until browned
• Marinara or pasta sauce: 28 oz, bringing depth and tomato flavor
• Water: 1/2 cup, to thin the sauce just right
• Diced tomatoes with liquid: 14.5 oz, adding chunky texture
• Ziti pasta: 16 oz, boiled until just firm
• Italian herb blend: 2 tsp, for that signature taste
• Ricotta cheese: 15 oz, mixed with egg for silky texture
• Egg: 1 large, helps bind the cheese layer
• Chopped parsley: 2 tbsp, for freshness
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded for stretchy goodness
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup, shredded for nutty flavor

HOW TO MAKE IT

Step 1:

Set your oven to 375°F and coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Step 2:

Cook the Italian sausage with onion in a pan until no longer pink, then pour off any fat.

Step 3:

Mix in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with liquid, Italian herbs, and water, then let bubble for 12 minutes.

Step 4:

Boil the ziti until just tender but still firm, then drain completely.

Step 5:

In a bowl, stir together the ricotta, egg, parsley, 1 cup mozzarella, and all the Parmesan.

Step 6:

Put 1 cup of sauce in your baking dish. Layer with half the ziti, all the ricotta mix, and half the remaining sauce.

Step 7:

Add the other half of ziti, pour the rest of the sauce on top, and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.

Step 8:

Bake for 25-30 minutes until everything bubbles and the cheese turns golden.

Keeping and Warming Tips

• Keep leftover ziti in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Warm in your microwave or oven.
• Make the whole dish ahead and chill until you're ready to bake it fresh.

Good To Know

• Try spicy sausage for a kick or switch to ground turkey for something lighter.
• Fresh basil works great instead of parsley if you want a different taste.

Pro Kitchen Advice

• Smart Move: Let your ziti sit for 10 minutes after baking so everything settles and tastes even better.

What Goes Well With Ziti

Enjoy your ziti with a basic green salad, some buttery garlic bread, or a glass of Chianti for a true Italian meal. The smooth cheese and tangy sauce work perfectly with crisp greens and warm bread.

Make It Your Own

Toss in some cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies. You can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese or try different cheese combos for new flavors.

Common Questions

Can I freeze this dish?

Sure can! Put it together but don't bake it, then freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in your fridge before cooking.

How do I make it without meat?

Skip the sausage and add more veggies or meat substitutes instead.

Will other pasta shapes work?

Absolutely, try penne or rigatoni if you don't have ziti.

What if I don't like ricotta?

No problem, try cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a bit of cream cheese mixed together.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Ziti with Sausage & Ricotta is a comforting baked dish with layers of pasta, tomato sauce seasoned with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella. Begin by cooking the sausage with onion and simmering it all with sauce, diced tomatoes, and herbs. Assemble it in layers of pasta, a ricotta and egg mix, and finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella before baking to a golden perfection. This hearty meal is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or entertaining with simple sides like a fresh salad or garlic bread.