When it comes to comforting meals that bring family together, baked ziti with sausage is a go-to choice that never disappoints. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings, easy weeknight dinners, or simply when you crave a taste of home. With the combination of savory sausages, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheese, baked ziti with sausage instantly becomes a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Growing up, Sunday dinners were a sacred tradition in our household, a time to laugh, bond, and, most importantly, eat together. My mother used to prepare this dish, and it quickly became synonymous with family celebrations. The aroma of Italian sausages sizzling, merged with the tangy scent of marinara, would waft through the house, drawing us all to the kitchen. This recipe has since become a beloved staple in my own household, a culinary passage that evokes cherished memories and creates new ones every time we indulge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this baked ziti with sausage. Here are just a few:
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect even for beginners.
- Family-Friendly: Whether it’s a regular weeknight dinner or a large gathering, this recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adjusting the ingredients to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Meal Prep Favorite: Easily doubles for making ahead and freezing portions for future meals.
- Comforting & Satisfying: It’s the ultimate comfort food, filling and packed with flavors that warm both the body and soul.
Ingredients Notes
This recipe calls for a few simple, yet vital ingredients that bring out rich and robust flavors:
- Sausage: Italian sausage works best, but you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Pasta: Opt for high-quality ziti pasta to ensure it holds the sauce well without becoming mushy.
- Marinara Sauce: For a fresher taste, use homemade marinara, or choose a high-quality store-bought option.
- Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese adds the perfect cheesy top. You can substitute with ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano elevate the dish’s flavor profile, adding aromatic notes.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of water, adding a pinch of salt. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, remove the casing from the sausages and crumble them into a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, introduce your marinara sauce, stirring in any remaining sausage juices for added richness. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as necessary with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
Step 4
Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti, sausage, and half of the sauce. Stir together for an even mix. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Step 5
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Storage Options
This baked ziti with sausage offers simple storage solutions, making it ideal for meal prep enthusiasts. Once cooled, seal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. Reheating this way helps maintain its texture and flavor, avoiding the dryness that microwaving may cause. If microwaving, sprinkle a few drops of water on the pasta first to help it rehydrate during warming.
Variations & Substitutions
Adapting this recipe to fit dietary preferences is a breeze. For a vegetarian take, swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers. Incorporate a medley of cheeses, including provolone or asiago, for a luxury twist. For a gluten-free version, use your preferred gluten-free pasta. To kick up the heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. These tweaks allow you to customize the dish to meet any culinary whim.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti with sausage is versatile enough to grace any table. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce. The dish is well-suited to casual family dinners or dressed up for special occasions like a potluck or holiday feast. An Italian Red Wine such as Chianti pairs harmoniously, enhancing the dish’s robust flavors. When serving for brunch, pair with a sparkling mimosa for a joyous mid-morning treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare baked ziti with sausage in advance?
This dish is perfect for advance preparation. Simply assemble the ziti and allow it to cool before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the fridge. It can stay refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, allowing it to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven. The flavors meld beautifully when prepared ahead, making future meals even more delicious.
How do I ensure my pasta doesn’t become mushy?
Cooking the pasta al dente is key. This means boiling it slightly less than the package instructions suggest, as it continues cooking once it’s baked in the oven. Rinse with cold water after boiling to halt the cooking process. Assemble and bake quickly to ensure the pasta retains the ideal texture. Additionally, ensure the sauce-to-pasta ratio is balanced to avoid a soggy outcome.
What can I use instead of sausage if I don’t eat pork?
Not to worry! This recipe readily adapts to suit non-pork diets. Opt for chicken or turkey sausages for a leaner option. You can also consider plant-based sausages for a vegetarian substitute that still provides the same hearty texture and flavor profile. For a seafood twist, shrimp or cubed salmon can also serve as delicious alternatives.
baked ziti with sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ziti pasta uncooked
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, and drain.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, and top with remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
