This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is the ultimate comfort-food classic — rich, cheesy, saucy, and perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. It’s layered like lasagna but twice as easy and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

🧀 Extra Cheesy and Comforting: Loaded with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.
🍖 Savory Italian Sausage: Adds bold flavor and heartiness.
🍝 Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Great for gatherings or meal prep.
🔥 Bakes to Golden Perfection: Crispy edges + creamy center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Baked Ziti:

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

Red pepper flakes
Spinach
Mushrooms
Fresh oregano

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta:
Boil ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 – Brown the Sausage:
Cook Italian sausage with olive oil, onion, and garlic until browned and fragrant.

Step 3 – Add the Sauce:
Pour in marinara sauce and simmer to deepen the flavor.

Step 4 – Combine with Pasta:
Toss the sauce mixture with the cooked ziti.

Step 5 – Layer the Ziti:
In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.

Step 6 – Bake:
Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

🧀 Mix some cheese into the pasta and save some for the top.
🍖 Use spicy sausage if you want extra kick.
🍝 Don’t overcook the pasta — it finishes in the oven.
🌿 Fresh basil adds brightness before serving.

What to Serve With

Garlic knots
Caesar salad
Roasted vegetables

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic full of comforting layers, bold flavors, and melty cheese. Whether for family night or entertaining guests, it’s a guaranteed hit every time. 🇮🇹✨