Baked Ziti with Sausage (Print Version)

Ziti pasta, sausage and cheeses baked in marinara for a cozy, savory meal with golden edges.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ziti pasta
02 - 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
03 - 2 cups marinara sauce
04 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
05 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until well browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, browned sausage, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
04 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
05 - Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry and fridge staples for easy assembly
  • Hearty meal that feeds a family with leftovers for later
  • Customizable with your favorite sausage or vegetarian swaps
  • Perfect for prepping ahead for weekday meals
02 -
  • Perfect for making ahead and baking later
  • Great for feeding a crowd or freezing portions
  • Balances protein, carbs, and comfort in one dish
03 -
  • Always undercook the pasta by a minute or two so it does not get mushy while baking
  • Layering a little bit of sauce on the bottom of your dish keeps the pasta from sticking
  • Let the ziti set for ten minutes before serving so it slices up perfectly and is easier to plate