Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

If you’re searching for that comforting, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to absolutely love this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe. This fan-freaking-tastic casserole layers tender ziti pasta with flavorful Italian sausage, a rich tomato cream sauce, and two kinds of melty cheese — it’s truly a showstopper for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Stick around because I’m going to share everything you need to nail this recipe perfectly, plus some insider tips I’ve picked up along the way.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe comes from how these simple ingredients come together—each playing its part in building layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, I like to pick the best quality sausage I can find, and fresh basil always elevates the entire dish.

• Ziti noodles: Make sure to cook them al dente because they’ll keep cooking in the oven — you don’t want mushy pasta here.
• Ground Italian sausage: I’ve used both sweet and spicy; spicy adds a nice kick, but sweet is great if you want something mellower.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives such an aromatic boost—skip the pre-minced if you can for best flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: Go for a good-quality canned crushed tomato; it forms the base of the sauce with just the right texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors; I always taste and adjust before baking.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes—this little trick works wonders in tomato sauces.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds subtle heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and velvety; you could substitute half-and-half but cream is my go-to.
• Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth; freshly grated always wins for flavor.
• Fresh basil: Fresh herbs really brighten the dish, and sprinkling extra on top adds color and freshness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Choose whole milk for great melting quality and creamy texture.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Play with the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs — it’s all about making this dish your own.

• Vegetarian version: I swap out sausage for sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies like zucchini or spinach — still delicious, and my veggie-loving friends can’t believe it’s meatless.
• Spicy kick: When I want heat, I use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes; it’s a crowd-pleaser for spice lovers.
• Cheese swap: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for different textures and flavors — I tried smoked mozzarella once, and it added a delicious smoky twist.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep things safe and tasty without missing out.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your ziti noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions but pull them out about a minute or two before they’re fully done—aiming for very al dente. Trust me on this: the pasta will finish cooking in the oven and you’ll avoid that mushy texture. Once drained, toss the noodles back into the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Build Your Sauce

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and crumble in the sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. I like to break it up with a wooden spoon so you get little crumbles throughout the dish. Scoop the cooked sausage out and set aside, leaving just about a tablespoon of fat in the pan—add a splash of olive oil if needed. Now add your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute, careful not to burn it.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes, then let everything simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Cream, Cheese, Sausage, and Herbs

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream, a third of your pecorino Romano cheese, the cooked sausage, and freshly chopped basil. This step is where the sauce gets luxuriously creamy and flavorful, and I always taste here to tweak seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Layer It Up and Bake

Pour your sauce and sausage mixture into the pot with the ziti noodles and gently stir to combine. Then, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining pecorino Romano. Layer the rest of the pasta on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and cheese. Pop it in a 425°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden brown — you’ll know it’s ready when it smells irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with a little extra fresh basil to brighten things up visually and flavor-wise. Serve hot and watch your family or guests swoon over every cheesy, saucy bite.

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this baked ziti with a handful of fresh basil leaves right before serving — they add a lovely burst of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of extra grated pecorino Romano for that salty punch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also bring a nice contrast to the richness of the baked ziti.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this baked ziti in individual ramekins — it makes for a fun presentation and personalized portions that wow guests. I also like to add a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze on top for a sweet tangy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so if you can wait a day, the next meal tastes even better.

Freezing

This baked ziti freezes like a dream—after assembling, I cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake it covered at 425°F for 25 minutes before uncovering to brown the cheese, just like fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture close to fresh-baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Baked Ziti with Sausage and Cheese Recipe has saved me when I need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion but comes together without fuss, and it keeps your kitchen smelling amazing the entire time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos — trust me, everyone’s going to be asking for your secret!

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