Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Baked ziti with Italian sausage is a comforting, cheesy delight that combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish warms the heart and brings loved ones together. With its gooey mozzarella topping and layers of flavor, every bite is a savory hug. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this baked ziti will quickly become a favorite on your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta with half the mozzarella and some Parmesan until creamy.
- In a baking dish, layer half the meat sauce, then half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and repeat.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg