If you’re looking for an efficient, satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage is your recipe. This dish brings together the richness of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and a zesty marinara in under 40 minutes—perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple, ready in just over half an hour.
- Uses readily available ingredients, no trips to specialty stores needed.
- Great for leftovers—flavors meld overnight for even richer taste.
- Customizable to accommodate different tastes or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (cooked al dente according to package instructions, drained): Provides the base of the dish. Ensure not to overcook to maintain texture.
- 4 links (about 1 pound) cooked Italian sausage (sliced ½-inch thick): Adds depth and protein. Use hot or sweet sausage based on preference.
- 1 32-ounce jar marinara sauce: Instant flavor with minimal prep. Use homemade if preferred.
- 1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese: Offers creaminess. Substitute with part-skim if reducing fat content.
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form a gooey topping. Perfect for that classic ziti finish.
- ¼ cup each fresh basil and parsley leaves (chopped): Adds freshness and color. Dried herbs can be substituted at a reduced quantity.
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. This setup ensures an even bake and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sausage, and all but 1 cup of the marinara sauce. Layer half of this mixture at the bottom of your pan. This step ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Cheeses
Spoon half of the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the ziti mixture. Top with remaining ziti mix, the rest of the ricotta and mozzarella, and the reserved marinara. Layering achieves a perfect ratio of pasta to cheese in each serving.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the cheese melts. These visual cues indicate the dish is heated through and the cheese has caramelized just enough.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil and parsley before serving warm. These herbs lend vibrant freshness, balancing the dish nicely.
Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
Penne or rigatoni can work as substitutes, providing a similar texture and capacity to hold the sauce well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
