Baked Ziti with Sausage (Cheesy Family Favorite)

When the weather cools down, nothing makes my kitchen feel cozier than a bubbling dish of baked ziti with sausage. It’s cheesy, saucy, and so comforting—like a warm hug in a bowl. If you love pasta recipes, this one belongs right on your table (you can browse more pasta recipes here).

I first started making this dish on busy weeknights when I needed something filling and crowd-pleasing. Now, it’s one of those recipes my kids actually request. And honestly, it’s easier to pull together than you might think! If you’re already a fan of spaghetti carbonara, this baked pasta will quickly become your new go-to.

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What You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, plus a little sausage for extra flavor. Here’s what I reach for:

• Ziti pasta – or penne if that’s what you’ve got.
• Italian sausage – sweet or spicy, depending on your taste.
• Onion & garlic – I always go heavy on the garlic, it makes the sauce sing.
• Crushed tomatoes & tomato sauce – your base for a rich, tangy sauce.
• Ricotta cheese – creamy goodness layered between pasta.
• Mozzarella cheese – shredded, for that bubbly top.
• Parmesan cheese – sharp and salty, a must in my book.
• Italian seasoning, basil, salt & pepper – keeps everything balanced.

A large skillet, a mixing bowl, and a baking dish are really all the tools you’ll need. I love how low-fuss this is compared to something like a layered lasagna. And if you enjoy one-pot meals like slow cooker beef stew, this pasta bake gives you that same comforting payoff with less time.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Ziti with Sausage

Cooking this feels like layering love into a dish. Here’s how I do it:

Step 1 — Cook the Pasta

Boil ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Remember, it will keep cooking in the oven. I always taste a piece before draining—it should still have a little bite.

Step 2 — Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage until golden. Break it into small crumbles so every bite of pasta gets a little sausage flavor. Don’t forget to drain off excess fat so the dish doesn’t get greasy.

Step 3 — Build the Sauce

Add onion and garlic to the sausage pan. Stir until fragrant, then pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Let it simmer—it thickens beautifully.

Step 4 — Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, stir ricotta with Parmesan, an egg, and a pinch of seasoning. This step makes the filling creamy and rich. My little trick? A sprinkle of nutmeg—just a pinch—adds warmth.

Step 5 — Assemble the Ziti

In your baking dish, layer pasta, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat until everything is used, finishing with sauce and a generous blanket of mozzarella.

Step 6 — Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F until the cheese is bubbling and golden. I usually let it rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.

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Pro Tips & Easy Swaps

• Use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti.
• Try ground turkey or beef instead of sausage.
• Add spinach or zucchini to sneak in veggies.
• Use fresh basil leaves for a brighter finish.
• Don’t skip resting time—this keeps slices neat.
• Make ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
• Double the batch and freeze half for busy weeks.
• For extra spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

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Serving Ideas & Variations

I usually serve this with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to soak up the sauce. It’s also lovely with a simple roasted vegetable side.

Variations to try:

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese (lighter but still creamy).
• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
• Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
• Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms instead of sausage.
• Serve with air fryer salmon for a surf-and-turf dinner.

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Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Overcooking the pasta: Stop at al dente since it bakes further.
• Too much sauce: Use enough to coat but not drown pasta.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting it sit keeps layers from collapsing.
• Using pre-shredded cheese only: Fresh mozzarella melts creamier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ll Also Love

• Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe — creamy, quick, and just as comforting.

If you’re hungry for more cozy pasta dinners, check out my full collection of pasta recipes here