Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that’s perfect for cozy dinners. This dish layers tender pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and plenty of melty cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In another pot, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until browned, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce heat through for about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine well.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish to form the bottom layer.
7. Step 7: Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta layer, distributing it roughly to create a creamy middle layer.
8. Step 8: Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta, spreading it evenly to form the top layer.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Then broil for a few minutes, watching closely, to brown and crisp the cheese.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
• Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the sauce a nice gentle heat.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. The sauce may thicken during storage; add a splash of cream or milk when reheating if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it uncovered or covered. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta can I use if I don’t have ziti?

Penne is a perfect substitute for ziti as it holds the sauce well. Other tubular pastas like rigatoni or mostaccioli also work great.

Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 164 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta combined with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and Italian sausage, layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbling perfection and topped with fresh herbs, it’s a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta

Sauce & Meat

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar

Cheeses

• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Serving

• Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the upper third. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage and Onion: In another pot, add the Italian sausage meat and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and white sugar. Stir well and let the sauce heat through gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
6. Layer Pasta – Bottom: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish as the bottom layer.
7. Add Ricotta Layer: Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese over the bottom layer, distributing it loosely without worrying about neatness.
8. Layer Pasta – Top: Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta, creating an even top layer without stirring.
9. Add Cheeses on Top: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top layer of pasta.
10. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly throughout.
11. Broil to Brown: Switch the oven to broil and watch closely as the cheese browns and becomes golden, enhancing flavor and presentation.
12. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and/or basil if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Using fresh herbs like basil and parsley adds brightness and a fresh finish to the baked ziti.
• Cooking pasta slightly under the recommended time helps prevent overcooking when baked.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, Italian sausage pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe