Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

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If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty pasta bake that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delights every bite, you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe. It combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage with creamy ricotta cheese and tangy tomato sauce, all layered together with perfectly cooked ziti pasta. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and makes all the difference in this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the bold, comforting taste and perfect texture of the baked ziti.

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Adds a savory, slightly spicy base and lots of hearty flavor.
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Sweetens and softens the sauce while adding depth.
• 3 oz tomato paste: Gives the sauce a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and a luscious texture.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The main body of the sauce, providing freshness and acidity.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend: Offers classic herb notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• ½ cup water: Lightens the sauce just enough to create the perfect consistency.
• 1 lb ziti pasta: The star pasta that holds sauce beautifully and cooks to al dente perfection.
• ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Elevates the pasta’s natural flavor while it cooks.
• 15 oz ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild richness to balance the tomato and sausage.
• 1 cup Italian cheese blend: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for melty, flavorful cheese layers.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Provides a subtle spice and enhances all other flavors.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Crowns the dish with gooey, golden cheese topping.
• 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Sautéing the Onion

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat, then add the ground Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and crispy on the edges—that’s where the flavor really develops. As the sausage cooks, finely dice your onion. Once the sausage is perfectly browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it’s soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. This process creates a fantastic base full of savory aroma.

Step 2: Building the Sauce

Now it’s time to transform that sausage and onion mixture into a rich sauce. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and half a cup of water. Mix everything well, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld all those luscious flavors together. This simmering is key for developing depth and richness.

Step 3: Cooking the Ziti Pasta

While your sauce is gently bubbling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Add the ziti to the boiling water and cook until tender but still firm—around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot; this prevents overcooking since it’ll bake further later.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheese Filling

Combine the ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir them together until smooth and creamy. This cheesy filling will layer beautifully between the pasta and sauce, adding that luscious, comforting texture everyone’s going to love. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready to go.

Step 5: Coating the Pasta in Sauce

Mix 1 cup of your simmering red sauce into the drained ziti right in the pot. This step ensures every bite has a balanced taste of tomato and sausage before the baking begins and keeps the dish moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Layering the Baked Ziti

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by pouring half of the sauced ziti. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Then spoon half of the remaining red sauce and sausage mixture on top of that layer. Repeat these layers with the rest of the pasta, cheese filling, and sauce. To finish, sprinkle the entire dish with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for a glorious, bubbly cheese crust.

Step 7: Baking the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with foil, tenting it slightly to prevent it from sticking to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This gentle bake allows the flavors to meld and cheese to start melting beautifully.

Step 8: Broiling for the Perfect Finish

Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil for about 5 minutes or until the mozzarella topping is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye during broiling so it doesn’t burn. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for a splash of fresh color and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh, chopped parsley or basil leaves brings freshness and a lovely contrast to the rich baked ziti. If you’re a fan of heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a surprising, delightful kick. Finishing with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan also elevates the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For something lighter, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add vibrant color and a healthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins layered just the same, making for a personalized and charming presentation. You could also sprinkle a handful of caramelized walnuts or toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crunch. Another fun twist is to mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the sausage sauce for a veggie boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti is a gift to dinner the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making it arguably even better the next day.

Freezing

This Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed with a little extra time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered to retain moisture, stirring halfway through for even heating. Finish with a quick broil if you want to refresh the golden cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide great flavor while making the dish a bit lighter. Just be sure to choose a seasoned variety to keep that savory kick.

Do I need to boil the pasta before layering?

Yes, cooking the ziti until al dente ahead of time is important. It ensures the pasta won’t be mushy after baking and absorbs flavors just right in the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the sausage with your favorite sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also use vegetarian sausage for a similar texture and flavor experience.

What type of cheese blends work best?

An Italian cheese blend usually combines mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, creating a nice balance of meltiness and sharpness. You can mix mozzarella and Parmesan if preferred, or experiment with fontina or asiago for a different twist.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?

It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking for optimal texture. If you freeze leftovers after baking, thaw thoroughly in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe is a delicious, no-fail way to enjoy a classic Italian comfort meal anytime. It’s filled with cozy flavors, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy your whole family or guests without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to baked pasta dish!

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