Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with classic Italian flavors. This version features hearty Italian sausage, a flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
It’s the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering with friends.
The best part? This dish is simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve on special occasions. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a hearty, delicious baked pasta dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Using a combination of rich tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and bold Italian sausage ensures this baked ziti is full of flavor and comforting texture.
- 12 ounces 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 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 for a deliciously cheesy, satisfying dish.
- 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. - Prepare the sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. - 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. - Simmer the sauce:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Mix the pasta and sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce. Stir in the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until evenly mixed. - Assemble the dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. - Bake the ziti:
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tweaks and Additions
This baked ziti is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own with these delicious variations:
- Make it extra cheesy:
Add a layer of fresh mozzarella slices before baking for an even gooier, indulgent dish. You can also mix in extra ricotta for a creamier texture. - Add more veggies:
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers make great additions to the sauce. They add extra flavor, texture, and nutrients without overpowering 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 recipe. - Make it spicier:
Increase the red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or add a splash of Calabrian chili paste for a bold, spicy kick. - Go gluten-free:
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure 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 overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for a stress-free dinner.
This easy baked ziti with Italian sausage is a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings comfort to any table. Whether you make it for a family meal or a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know your favorite tweaks and additions in the comments!