Baked Ziti With Italian Sausage Ragu

The combination of tender pasta, savory sausage ragu, and a generous layer of bubbling mozzarella creates a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or serve it straight from the oven, baked ziti is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in making it rich, flavorful, and completely irresistible.

• 1 pound ziti or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

This baked ziti comes together easily with just a few simple steps. Follow along to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sausage ragu:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if necessary.
3. Sauté the aromatics:
   Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce:
   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Assemble the ziti:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage ragu. Stir in the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Bake the dish:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and serve:
   Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tweaks and Additions

Baked ziti is an incredibly versatile dish, so don’t be afraid to get creative with these variations:

• Make it extra cheesy:
  Add a layer of fresh mozzarella slices on top before baking for an even gooier, more indulgent dish. You can also mix in extra ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Add veggies:
  Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to the sauce. These not only add extra flavor and texture but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.
• Use a different protein:
  Swap the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a different take on the classic recipe.
• Spice it up:
  If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even chopped Calabrian chiles for a bold, spicy twist.
• Go gluten-free:
  Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your tomato sauce and sausage are gluten-free for an easy dietary adaptation.
• Prepare it ahead:
  Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for a stress-free dinner.

Baked ziti with Italian sausage ragu is the kind of dish that brings people together—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a meal prep favorite for the week ahead. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with classic Italian flavors that never disappoint.

Have you tried this baked ziti? Do you have any favorite ingredient swaps or secret tips to make it even better? Let’s chat in the comments and share our love for this delicious dish!