Baked Ziti Sausage Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta brings comfort and celebration to the table with savory sausage, fluffy ricotta, and plenty of gooey cheese baked together in cozy pasta. This dish delivers everything you want in a family-style dinner, brimming with bold Italian flavors and a golden cheesy top. Whenever I make it for gatherings, the aroma alone brings everyone into the kitchen before it even hits the table

I first made this for a holiday dinner and now friends and family specifically ask for it every year. It always disappears fast so I know it is a dependable favorite

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce and cheese perfectly Look for a brand that cooks up al dente and keeps its shape
• Italian sausage: Adds rich spice and depth to the whole dish Choose a mild or spicy version to match your taste and remove casings for the best texture
• Onion: Build sweetness and depth by using fresh yellow onion which softens and flavors the sauce
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add real punch and aroma Always mince just before cooking for the biggest flavor
• Crushed tomatoes: This creates the hearty saucy base Use a good-quality Italian brand for extra richness
• Italian seasoning: Brings together all the traditional herbs in one sprinkle
• Red pepper flakes: Add a subtle heat that balances the creamy cheese Use more or less according to your spice preference
• Ricotta cheese: Offers creamy pockets throughout the baked pasta Look for whole milk ricotta for the best texture
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives gooey stretch and that classic melted cheese finish Always shred fresh for the best melt
• Parmesan cheese: Makes a nutty flavorful topper that browns beautifully when baked Grate yourself to avoid fillers and clumping
• Fresh basil: Makes a bright fresh garnish that brings balance to every serving Use fragrant leaves and add right before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil ziti in well-salted water until just barely al dente This keeps it from turning mushy in the oven Drain and set aside

Brown the Sausage and Aromatics:

In a wide skillet over medium heat crumble sausage meat and cook with chopped onion and minced garlic Stir and break up any clumps until sausage is browned and onions are soft This process takes about eight minutes and builds rich flavor for the whole bake

Simmer the Sauce:

Add crushed tomatoes Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the skillet Bring mixture to a simmer and let it bubble gently for ten minutes This thickens the sauce and helps all the flavors meld together

Mix Pasta and Sauce with Ricotta:

In your largest mixing bowl add drained pasta the sausage tomato sauce and ricotta cheese Give everything a thorough blend so the ricotta is dotted throughout every spoonful

Assemble the Casserole:

Spoon the combined mixture into a baking dish spreading it in an even layer Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan to create that irresistible cheesy crust

Bake Until Bubbly:

Bake uncovered in a hot oven until the cheese is melted golden and bubbling around the edges This usually takes about twenty five to thirty minutes

Garnish and Serve:

Top with torn fresh basil leaves right out of the oven for an herbal burst Serve family style while bubbly and hot

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I absolutely love how sweet basil finishes the dish with such freshness My kids always joke the crispy cheese corners are the real treat and they argue over who gets them

Storage tips

Leftover baked ziti keeps well for three days in the fridge Store in a tightly covered container To reheat cover loosely with foil and warm in a moderate oven until hot all the way through If freezing wrap individual portions in foil and place in a freezer bag for simple weeknight dinners thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap ziti for penne or rigatoni in a pinch Choose another flavorful sausage like turkey or chicken for a lighter version Cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta but the final result will be less creamy For a vegetarian twist use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini instead of sausage

Serving suggestions

This dish shines with a side of garlic bread or focaccia A bright crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the hearty pasta If you are serving a bigger group offer roasted broccoli or green beans for extra veggies

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A dish with roots

Baked ziti echoes classic Italian-American tradition and has been a celebratory favorite in family kitchens for generations The recipe draws from the southern Italian tradition of pasta al forno meaning oven baked pasta It has become a staple at church suppers holidays and big gatherings where warmth and comfort matter most

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage is best to use?

Italian sausage, either mild or hot, works well. Removing the casings allows you to crumble and brown it evenly.

→ Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

→ Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, cook the ziti until just al dente. This ensures it holds its shape during baking and doesn't become mushy.

→ What cheese substitutions work well?

Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta, and provolone or fontina can be swapped for mozzarella if desired.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Try adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra color and flavor.

→ Can baked ziti be frozen?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Defrost overnight and bake as directed, extending time as needed.