Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage – Easy Family Dinner Idea

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling pan of baked ziti coming out of the oven—cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor.

This dish is a staple in my home, especially on cozy evenings or when I want to make something that feels like a warm hug.

With a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and layers of melted cheese, this baked ziti is pure satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy & Comforting: It’s everything you want in a baked pasta—ooey, gooey cheese with bold Italian flavors.

Meal Prep Friendly: You can prep it in advance and bake later.

Feeds a Crowd: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or leftovers.

Customizable: Swap the meat, pasta shape, or cheese to suit your preferences.

Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love it!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ziti or Penne Pasta: Both hold sauce well and are ideal for baked dishes.

Italian Sausage or Ground Beef: Adds depth and hearty flavor.

Ricotta Cheese: Gives a creamy, luxurious layer.

Mozzarella & Parmesan: For that perfect cheesy top.

Garlic & Italian Seasoning: Classic flavors that tie it all together.

Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade.

Fresh Basil: Optional, but adds freshness and color.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta keeps it from getting mushy after baking.

Drain the Meat: Remove excess fat after browning sausage for a cleaner flavor.

Layer Well: Even layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese ensure a balanced bite.

Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water, then add the ziti (or penne).

Cook until al dente according to package directions.

Drain, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and toss to prevent sticking.

Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the Italian sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic.

Cook until the sausage is browned and the garlic is fragrant. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, 3/4 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning.

Add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta Mixture

Reserve 1/2 cup of marinara sauce.

To the bowl with pasta, add the remaining marinara sauce, cooked sausage, and the ricotta cheese mixture.

Stir everything together to evenly coat.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Ziti

Spread the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Layer half of the pasta mixture on top.

Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Add the rest of the pasta, then top with the remaining cheeses.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the ziti uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges start to turn golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Garnish with extra chopped basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread or breadsticks

A simple green salad with vinaigrette

Roasted broccoli or green beans

Red wine or sparkling water

Variations / Substitutions

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.

Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina for a flavor twist.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, it’s a good alternative with a similar texture.

What pasta works best?
Ziti or penne are ideal, but rigatoni or rotini work too.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure there’s enough sauce and cover with foil for most of the bake.

Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Absolutely! It’s leaner but still tasty.

Should I bake it covered or uncovered?
Cover for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.

Can I make it without meat?
Definitely! Add extra veggies or more cheese for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy baked ziti has become a comfort food staple in my home—and for good reason.

It’s easy to throw together, makes enough to feed a crowd, and hits all the right notes of cozy, creamy, and crave-worthy.

Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping a dish to share, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.