Description
This baked ziti with Italian sausage is the ultimate easy dinner idea when you want something hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Packed with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory sausage, and layers of melted cheese, it’s a comforting classic that works perfectly for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. If you’re looking for easy recipe ideas, cozy dinner ideas, or satisfying food ideas, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta, half of the sausage sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.
8. Repeat the layers, then top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
Let the dish rest after baking to help the layers set properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta