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Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

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3.9 from 65 reviews

This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta tossed with a savory blend of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy and comforting dish ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling over pasta

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 32 oz marinara sauce

Cheeses and Seasonings

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • Chopped fresh basil, if desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti or penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well using a colander, then drizzle with a bit of olive oil and stir to prevent sticking. Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  3. Cook Italian Sausage: In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off and discard any excess fat, then set sausage aside.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.
  5. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Add the ricotta cheese mixture to the cooked pasta. Then add the marinara sauce and cooked sausage. Gently stir everything together, careful not to break the pasta noodles.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and the pasta is bubbly.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped basil if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner version.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-sausage-and-ricotta-recipe/