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cheesy baked ziti with ricotta and sausage

Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage

This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage is the ultimate comfort food—layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, flavorful sausage, and loads of melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta And Sauce:
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
  • 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • For the Cheese Mixture:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For Topping:
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook ziti pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-6 minutes).
  • Stir in garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom.
  • Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1/2 of the remaining sauce.
  • Repeat with the rest of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Step 5: Bake And Serve
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly & golden.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

✔️ Use spicy sausage for extra heat!
✔️ Make ahead—assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight before baking.
✔️ Swap ziti for penne if needed!

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 25g
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