Classic Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
This classic baked ziti combines savory Italian sausage with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and melted cheeses for a comforting pasta casserole perfect for family dinners. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust, it's a hearty American-Italian dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main
- Sauce
- Cheese
- Seasoning
Let’s make it
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with olive oil.
Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauce
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
Sauce
Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in dried basil if using. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assembly
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage-tomato sauce mixture, heavy cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir gently until well combined.
Assembly
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Baking
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top.
Serving
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly. Serve warm.
Tips & notes
Use fresh Italian sausage for richer flavor and drain excess fat after browning to avoid greasy sauce. For a spicier dish, choose hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Avoid overcooking pasta in the boiling step since it will cook further in the oven.
Saving it for later
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions of baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed evenly.
