Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

Let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need a long list of fancy items for this recipe. Most of what you need might already be in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta and Sauce

• Ziti or penne pasta: Either works, but ziti holds sauce like a champ.
• Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor. Use sweet, spicy, or a mix of both.
• Marinara sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works too.

For the Cheese Layer

• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, the perfect binder.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, gooey goodness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.

Extras

• Garlic and onion: Build the base of flavor.
• Olive oil: For sautéing.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but they add a fresh touch.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Baked Ziti with Sausage and Ricotta

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps to ensure success.

Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta. Want a tip? Cook it just shy of al dente. Why? The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to turn mushy. Drain it and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Sausage and Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the onion until it’s soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute—it’s small but mighty in flavor.

Next, add the Italian sausage. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, pour in your marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Pro tip: If your marinara sauce is a bit too acidic, stir in a pinch of sugar. It balances the flavors beautifully.

Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of your shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a beaten egg. The egg helps bind everything together, creating a creamy, cohesive filling. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Layering the Baked Ziti

This is where it all comes together. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering:

1. Base layer: Spread a thin layer of the sausage marinara sauce at the bottom.
2. First pasta layer: Add half of the cooked pasta.
3. Ricotta mixture: Dollop and spread half of the ricotta filling over the pasta.
4. Sauce layer: Spoon more marinara sauce over the ricotta.
5. Repeat: Add the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce.
6. Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Wrapping It Up

There’s something truly magical about baked ziti with sausage and ricotta. It’s a dish that brings comfort, joy, and a little bit of indulgence to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Now that you’ve got all the tools, tips, and tricks, it’s time to grab your apron and get started. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!