Description
Classic baked ziti made with Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. This comforting pasta bake is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
16 oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling over pasta)
1 pound Italian sausage
32 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
3/4 cup 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 (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer to a large bowl.
In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Discard any excess fat.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Gently mix the ricotta mixture into the pasta. Add marinara sauce and cooked sausage; stir until just combined.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the dish is bubbly.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef or turkey for sausage if preferred.
Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
