Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that hits every note — cheesy, hearty, and just a little spicy — you’re going to love what I’m about to share. This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that always wins hearts at my dinner table, and I’m excited to walk you through it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving some serious comfort food, this baked ziti is foolproof and totally delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients just right is key for this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe to come together perfectly. I always recommend fresh garlic and a good-quality Italian sausage, because these are your flavor stars.

• Ziti noodles: Look for good-quality pasta and make sure to cook it slightly under al dente.
• Ground Italian sausage: Choose spicy or sweet based on your preference; I love spicy for a little kick.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference for the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use a full-flavored canned crushed tomato for that rich base.
• Salt: Helps bring out all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust to control heat, or skip if you want it milder.
• Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to the sauce – definitely don’t skip this step.
• Pecorino Romano cheese: I love using pecorino for its sharp and salty bite – you can substitute Parmesan if you prefer.
• Fresh basil: Adds brightness and freshness that cuts through the richness.
• Whole milk mozzarella cheese: For that melty, gooey cheesy goodness on top and throughout.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe is — you can swap out ingredients and still end up with a winner. Feel free to make it your own and tailor it to what you love or have on hand.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage; I’ve had great success with spicy crumbled tofu, too.
• Cheese Swap: Try mixing in some fontina or provolone for a different melty texture and richer flavor.
• Heat Levels: If you’re a fan of bold spice, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
• Herbs Twist: Thyme or oregano can be added alongside basil for an earthier profile.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the ziti noodles for about 7 minutes, which is just shy of al dente—this is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it mushy. When I first tried cooking them fully, it ended up overly soft after baking, so this trick saves the texture perfectly. Drain and set aside, tossing the pasta back into the pot to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Build the Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the Italian sausage. Brown it for 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through but still juicy. Then, remove the sausage and drain most of the fat, leaving a tablespoon in the pan. If it’s too lean, add a little olive oil to keep the garlic from sticking. Stir in minced garlic and cook just about a minute until fragrant but not browned – garlic can go from perfect to bitter in seconds, so keep your eyes on it! Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. This simmer lets the flavors get cozy and mellow.

Step 3: Creamy Finale and Combining It All

Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream, ⅓ cup of pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and fresh chopped basil. This transforms the sauce into a rich, creamy masterpiece. Pour it over your pasta in the pot and gently combine — you want every noodle coated but not overloaded.

Step 4: Layer and Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Spoon half of your pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and half of the remaining pecorino cheese over the top. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then finish with a final layer of mozzarella and pecorino. Pop it in the oven at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes uncovered — that’s when the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns just right. When the edges get golden and the top looks irresistibly crispy on the cheese, you know it’s time!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a handful of freshly chopped basil because it adds that burst of color and fresh herby punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sausage. Sometimes I add a sprinkling of extra grated pecorino right before serving for a salty finish. A little cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this cheesy baked ziti are a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette and some crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also pair beautifully and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this dish in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation — everyone loved having their own cheesy, bubbling ziti. You can also add a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch and richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti keeps really well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I tightly cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. When I reheat it, the flavors seem to get even better!

Freezing

Here’s a tip I discovered: you can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It tastes just as good as freshly made, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes to get the cheese bubbly again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that gorgeous browned top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want to impress without stress. It’s cozy, delicious, and brings everyone to the table with smiles. Now that you know my little secrets and tips, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals too!

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