Savory Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe: A Family Meal Dream

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering baked ziti with sausage that promises to satisfy even the most discerning pasta lovers.

Rich, hearty flavors dance through every bite of this classic Italian-American dish.

Savory Italian sausage mingles perfectly with tender ziti pasta and melted cheese, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Each forkful delivers a warm embrace of creamy goodness that speaks directly to your soul.

The bubbling, golden-brown top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath, promising a meal that feels like a culinary warm hug.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this irresistible crowd-pleasing recipe.

Let’s find out a plate of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Tools for Sausage Ziti Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning sausage and simmering sauce.
• 3-quart pot: Perfect for boiling pasta and making cream sauce.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta efficiently.
• 9×13 inch casserole dish: Deep baking pan for assembling and baking ziti.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Intermediate bowl: Needed for mixing cheese and eggs.
• Whisk: Great for blending cream and cornstarch.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Foil: Covers dish during initial baking stage.
• Knife: For chopping basil and mincing garlic.

How to Assemble and Bake Ziti with Sausage

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a big pot with a sprinkle of salt. Toss in the ziti and cook until it’s just shy of perfect. Drain and give it a quick olive oil massage to keep the noodles from getting clingy.

• Sausage Sizzle

Brown the sausage in a skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbly bits. Ditch any extra grease that pools up.

• Flavor Explosion

Toss minced garlic into the sausage party. Shake in some herbs and spices to wake up the flavor. Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, letting everything mingle and bubble gently.

• Creamy Magic

Whisk heavy cream with a touch of cornstarch until silky smooth. Let it thicken slightly on the stove, stirring constantly.

• Cheese Heaven

Blend cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella with eggs. This is going to be seriously delicious.

• Layering Love

Mix everything together – pasta, sausage sauce, and cheese mixture. Pour into the baking dish, creating delicious layers of goodness.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake until the top gets a beautiful golden color.

• Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and get ready for comfort food heaven.

Flavor Tips for Cheesy Sausage Ziti

• Elevate your baked ziti by experimenting with different sausage varieties like spicy chorizo or mild turkey sausage for unique flavor profiles.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini directly into the sauce mixture for added color and texture.
• Switch up the cheese game by incorporating ricotta instead of cottage cheese or blending in smoked gouda for a more complex taste experience.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, pop it directly into the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Substitute regular ziti with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Ziti Serving Suggestions for Family Meals

• Comfort Crowd Pleaser: Serve this ziti at family gatherings or potlucks where everyone craves hearty, cheesy pasta that sparks conversation and smiles around the dinner table.
• Rustic Italian Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette and warm garlic bread to create a complete Mediterranean-style meal that transports diners straight to the Italian countryside.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, meaty ziti with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy cheese and balances the savory sausage perfectly.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal and provides a burst of fresh flavor against the warm, comforting casserole.

Freezing and Reheating Baked Ziti Meals

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover baked ziti in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when sealed tightly.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Divide ziti into individual serving portions using freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ziti remains tasty for up to 2 months when properly packaged.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen ziti in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and freshness during reheating.
• Prep-Ahead Wisdom: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow the dish to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 50 minutes

Cook Time: 52 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Baked Ziti with Sausage

• Ziti, Penne, Rigatoni: Choose firm, high-quality pasta that holds sauce well, with sturdy ridges for maximum flavor absorption.

• Mild Italian Sausage: Provides rich, meaty depth and authentic Italian flavor; select fresh, well-seasoned sausage from trusted butcher.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, aromatic foundation; choose firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Delivers classic Mediterranean herb notes; opt for recently purchased, fragrant dried herbs.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning; use freshly ground black pepper for intense flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich base; select high-quality, San Marzano-style canned sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright freshness; choose fire-roasted for deeper flavor.
• Sugar: Balances tomato acidity; use sparingly for subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces vibrant, herbaceous finish; select bright green, aromatic leaves.

• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky texture; ensure cold and fresh for best results.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize and thicken cream mixture; use pure, high-quality cornstarch.
• Eggs: Binds cottage cheese mixture; select large, fresh eggs from free-range chickens.
• Cottage Cheese: Creates creamy, tangy layer; choose full-fat, smooth variety.

Creamy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty baked ziti with sausage delivers comfort on a plate, blending robust Italian-American flavors. Melted cheese, savory sausage, and pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ziti (or penne/rigatoni if ziti unavailable)
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 (28 oz/794 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 lb cottage cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into ¼ inch cubes
• 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 tsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack to middle and preheat to 375°F. Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook ziti until slightly firmer than al dente. Drain and lightly toss with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. Sausage Sauce Base: Brown Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic, oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Incorporate tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
4. Sauce Development: Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring periodically. Blend in sugar and fresh basil to enhance flavor complexity.
5. Cream Mixture: Whisk heavy cream with cornstarch in the pasta pot, heating until slightly thickened. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella cubes.
6. Combining Components: Merge cream mixture, cheese blend, sausage sauce, and drained pasta. Ensure even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
7. Baking Process: Transfer combined mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining red sauce and additional cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Allow dish to rest for 10 minutes to settle flavors.
9. Serving: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve piping hot, allowing guests to enjoy the rich, layered flavors.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Drizzle olive oil and gently toss immediately after draining to stop ziti from clumping together.
• Manage Sausage Fat: Thoroughly drain excess fat after browning to keep the dish from becoming greasy and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce on low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning and develop rich, deep flavors.
• Foil Trick: Spray underside of foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking during baking, ensuring a clean removal and perfect top layer.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 52 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg