![For a hearty baked ziti with sausage, gather these key ingredients: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy for your preferred heat) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing These ingredients create a rich, flavorful dish. The sausage adds depth, while the cheeses make it creamy and comforting. To make your baked ziti even better, consider these garnishes and sides: - Fresh basil for topping - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - A simple salad for freshness These options can elevate your meal. Fresh herbs and bread provide different textures and flavors. If you need to make changes, here are some good swaps: - Use rigatoni or penne if you can’t find ziti. - Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage or ground beef. - Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese for a lighter option. - Use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier sauce. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. Experiment to find what works best for you! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it's boiling, add 12 oz of ziti pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, as per the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat a good drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté it for 4-5 minutes until it's soft. Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the casing from 1 lb of Italian sausage and add it to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for about 8-10 minutes until browned. If there’s extra fat, drain it. Once brown, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and add 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer on low for 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, and half of 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the sausage and sauce mix. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top it with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese with a golden top. After baking, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your zesty baked ziti with sausage! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make your baked ziti shine, follow these tips: - Use al dente pasta: This helps the pasta hold its shape. - Brown the sausage well: This adds great flavor. - Mix cheeses: Blend ricotta and mozzarella for creaminess. - Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh basil and Italian seasoning boost taste. - Layer cheese: Add cheese both in the mix and on top for a golden crust. Avoid these common pitfalls: - Overcooking the pasta: This leads to mushy ziti. - Using low-quality sausage: Good sausage makes a big difference. - Skipping the simmer: Letting the sauce simmer deepens flavors. - Not greasing the dish: This can make serving difficult. - Ignoring resting time: Letting it sit helps with serving. For a complete meal, try these ideas: - Serve with garlic bread: It pairs well with ziti. - Add a fresh salad: A crisp salad balances the dish. - Top with more cheese: Extra cheese makes it even better. - Garnish with basil: Fresh herbs add color and flavor. - Offer red pepper flakes: For those who love some heat. For the full recipe and details, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free version, you can swap the sausage for veggies. Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. This makes the dish colorful and tasty. A mix of fresh herbs like basil and parsley can add great flavor too. Choosing between spicy and mild sausage can change the dish's vibe. Mild sausage gives a classic taste, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. If you like heat, try a hot Italian sausage. You can also mix both types for a balanced flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning in your sauce based on your choice. You can add more depth to your baked ziti with simple extras. Consider adding some olives for a salty twist. Roasted red peppers give a sweet and smoky flavor. A splash of red wine in the sauce can enhance the taste too. Don't forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving for color and flavor. For the full recipe, check the section above! To keep your baked ziti fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option! When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out. To freeze baked ziti, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavors intact! For a full recipe, check out the details above. Baking ziti usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. This gives the dish a nice texture and flavor. Always check the ziti after 25 minutes to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can make baked ziti ahead of time. Prepare the dish and cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to bake it longer if it's cold from the fridge or frozen. Baked ziti pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Caesar salad - Steamed vegetables - A light green salad These sides will balance the rich flavors of the ziti and add some freshness to your meal. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work well. Just make sure the pasta can hold the sauce and cheese. Each shape gives a unique bite to your dish. You can enjoy leftover baked ziti in many ways. Reheat it in the oven or microwave. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or mix it into a pasta salad. The options are endless, and it tastes great even the next day! Absolutely! Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Consider spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the sausage to soften them before mixing them into the ziti. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Check for bubbling cheese and a golden top. You can also insert a knife into the center. If it comes out hot, your ziti is done! Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up for easier slicing. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the entire process of making this delicious dish! Baked ziti with sausage is a joy to make and eat. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Remember, using fresh ingredients leads to better flavor. Don't be afraid to try new spices or garnishes to make it your own. Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this dish later. With these tips, you can create a perfect baked ziti every time. Happy cooking!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ffb152fb-18a6-4ff0-881e-399abd317fc3-250x250.webp)
103. Baked Ziti with Sausage
Indulge in the deliciousness of Zesty Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage! This comforting pasta dish combines al dente ziti, savory Italian sausage, and rich cheeses, all baked to perfection. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Explore the step-by-step recipe and elevate your mealtime today. Click to discover how to create this mouthwatering ziti that everyone will love!