Easy Baked Ziti with Sausage

A comforting dish featuring zesty sausage, tangy marinara, and creamy cheeses, perfect for family gatherings.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

1 lb Ziti Pasta Perfect for holding onto the sauce. Penne can also be used as a substitute.
1 lb Italian Sausage Choose your favorite—mild or spicy. Turkey sausage works as a lighter option.
4 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade; ensure it's flavorful.
15 oz Ricotta Cheese Creamy and rich; cottage cheese can be a lighter option.
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Use fresh for an indulgent stretch or part-skim for fewer calories.
1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated A must for savory depth.
3 cloves Garlic, minced Aromatic ingredient that enhances flavor.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking the sausage.
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Herb blend to enhance flavor.
Salt and Pepper, to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you gather your ingredients.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, followed by the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage with the drained pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spoon half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the ziti sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving to make it easier to cut.

Feel free to personalize by adding sautéed vegetables or experimenting with different cheeses. Pairs well with a salad and a light dessert.

Keyword Baked Ziti, Comfort Food, Easy Meal, family dinner, Pasta Bake