Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage
This cheesy baked ziti combines savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it’s hearty, flavorful, and layered with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – plus more to drizzle over pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Chopped basil optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 dish with cooking spray.
- Boil salted water, cook pasta to al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Brown sausage in a skillet, add garlic, cook 1 more minute, then drain fat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, ¾ cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, basil, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix pasta with sausage, ricotta mix, and all but ½ cup marinara. Toss.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/cheesy-baked-ziti-with-ricotta-and-sausage/
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated—just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.
- Freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.