Sausage & Ricotta Baked Ziti

This baked ziti with sausage is pure comfort! Easy layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta. Perfect for a crowd or a cosy night in. Get the recipe!

May 28, 2025
By Laura Tide.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? honestly, sometimes i just need a big dish of pasta! this baked ziti with sausage is exactly what you need.

It's pure, unadulterated, cheesy, saucy goodness!

Brief Overview

This baked ziti recipe is inspired by classic italian-american comfort food. it's super easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight.

Prep takes about 20 minutes, baking is 40, and this recipe serves 6-8 hungry people! this easy baked ziti will be a crowd pleaser.

Main Benefits

One of the best things about baked ziti with ricotta ? it's packed with protein from the sausage and ricotta.

It's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, for when everyone comes together, or for when the football is on the telly.

It's a great side dish recipe . honestly, the layers of flavor and texture are what make this baked ziti so special.

Plus, who doesn't love melted cheese?

Okay, so, you're thinking: "another ziti recipes article? what's the big deal?" well, trust me, this isn't just any recipe.

This one is foolproof, customisable, and absolutely slathered in deliciousness. i remember once, i tried making a baked ziti recipe for a church potluck and completely forgot the ricotta.

Disaster! but hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? now, let's dive into the ingredients! it all starts with the sauce.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing baked ziti with sausage . honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward, which is why this baked ziti recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

No need to stress!

Sausage & Ricotta Baked Ziti Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed) (450g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup) (150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon) (6g)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional) (15g)
• 1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim) (425g)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups) (225g)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley (if using).
• While the sauce simmers, cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente - about 1 minute less than the box suggests. Drain well.
• In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with half of the tomato sauce.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the ziti mixture, followed by all of the ricotta mixture, and then the remaining ziti mixture.
• Pour the remaining sauce over the ziti. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, listen up, measuring stuff is important!

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is for your pan!
• Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g). Sweet or hot, your call!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 1 teaspoon/6g).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (800g).
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g).
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml).
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml). Totally optional if you want a kick.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped (15g). Also optional, but adds a fresh pop!
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g). The star of the show! It is one of the most important ingredients in Ziti Recipes .
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Full-fat or part-skim, your choice, for the amazing Baked Ziti With Ricotta .
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup , grated (30g).
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces , shredded (about 2 cups/225g).

Quality check: for the sausage, try to find a good quality brand. it really makes a difference in the flavor.

It doesn't have to be super fancy, but avoid the super cheap stuff, you know? the same goes for ricotta – a good baked ziti with ricotta starts with good ricotta!

Seasoning Notes

This is where things get fun!

• Essential Spices: Oregano and basil are a must for that classic Italian flavor.
• Flavor Boosters: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth, but be careful. Too much can overpower everything.
• Aromatics: Garlic and onion are the foundation of the sauce. Don't skimp!
• Quick Subs: No oregano? Use Italian seasoning.

Honestly, the aroma of garlic and oregano simmering in the sauce is one of the best things on earth. It’s like a culinary hug!

Equipment Needed

Don't worry, you probably already have everything you need for this easy baked ziti .

• Large Pot: For boiling that Ziti Pasta .
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For making the meat sauce .
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Essential for, you know, baking!
• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.

Household Alternatives: No fancy equipment needed! If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot or deep skillet will work.

This baked ziti with sausage will soon become a family favorite, and maybe even your new go-to side dish recipes ! just imagining diving in with a nice large portion.

This is the type of dinner i dream about! i want to be eating easy baked ziti while watching a comfort show on a sunday night!

Right then, let's talk baked ziti with sausage . honestly, is there anything more comforting? it's like a big, warm hug in a dish, proper good for a chilly evening.

This baked ziti recipe is a winner, trust me. it's one of those ziti recipes you'll make again and again.

Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps

First things first, get all your bits and bobs ready. this is the mise en place , yeah? chop your onions, mince that garlic, and get your sausage out of its skin.

Honestly, prepping saves so much time and stress.

Essential Mise en Place

• Chop one medium yellow onion – about a cup.
• Mince two cloves of garlic – roughly a teaspoon.
• Remove the casings from one pound of Italian sausage.

Time-Saving Tip: Chop the veggies while the sausage is browning. Multi-tasking, innit?

Right, Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step

This easy baked ziti is less faff than you think. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a glug of olive oil in a big pan. Crumble in your sausage. Cook until it's browned and cooked through. Drain the excess fat. No one wants a greasy meat sauce .
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Chuck in your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they're softened, about 5 minutes .
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in a can of crushed tomatoes and a can of tomato sauce. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes . This lets the flavours get to know each other.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is doing its thing, cook your ziti pasta until al dente . That's slightly undercooked. Remember, it's going to cook more in the oven. Drain it well.
5. Ricotta Time: In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese , an egg, and grated Parmesan. This is the creamy magic.
6. Assemble the Masterpiece: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Mix the cooked ziti with half of the tomato sauce.
7. Layer time: Spread a bit of the sauce into baking dish. Layer half the ziti, the ricotta mixture, and remaining ziti.
8. Bake and Enjoy: Top it with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes . Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes , until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 10 before diving in.

Ace It Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks

• Don't overcook your pasta! Honestly, it's the biggest mistake people make.
• Baked Ziti With Ricotta must be creamy! Add good quality ricotta, don't skimp on that!

Baked Ziti is great with garlic bread and salad. If you need a Side Dish Recipes this is also great.

Alright, let's chat about how to make this baked ziti with sausage even more amazing! It’s all about the little things, you know?

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Baked Ziti Recipe

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Honestly, plating is half the battle. after all, we eat with our eyes first! for this easy baked ziti , i love scooping a generous portion onto a plate.

I then sprinkle it with fresh basil. a side of garlic bread and a simple caesar salad? sorted! if you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy touch.

A classic chianti goes down beautifully, but a cold lager is good too.

Storage Tips: Keepin’ It Fresh

Right, so leftovers? who doesn't love leftovers? to keep your baked ziti with ricotta tasting great, let it cool completely.

Then, wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container. it'll happily live in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is also an option. just wrap it well and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. reheat in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until warmed through and bubbly.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Fancy switching things up? this baked ziti is your blank canvas! for a vegetarian twist, swap the sausage for roasted veggies.

Think aubergine, peppers, courgette... the works. want it lighter? try using part-skim ricotta. and for a seasonal swap, consider using fresh tomatoes in the summer for a super vibrant meat sauce .

This simple ziti recipe is great to try out some ideas.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Let's be real, this is comfort food, not a health food. that being said, it’s packed with protein from the sausage and ricotta.

You will also get some calcium in. each serving clocks in around 550-650 calories. the protein content is between 30-35g, depending on the sausage you go for.

The main ingredients are ziti pasta and the creamy ricotta. remember, that these are rough estimates, you know?

Honestly, making this baked ziti with sausage is super satisfying. the layers of baked ziti with ricotta and rich sauce? chef's kiss! so, go on, give this baked ziti recipe a go.

You deserve a plate of comfort. give these ricotta recipes a go, you know?