Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish, you’re in the right place! I absolutely love how this Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe comes together—rich, cheesy, and bursting with Italian flavors that feel like a big, warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this baked ziti never fails to deliver deliciousness and I can’t wait to walk you through it.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe plays a starring role—bringing together classic Italian flavors with satisfying textures you’ll love, from the tender pasta to the rich cheeses. Here’s a quick peek at why these ingredients are my favorites to work with.

• Ziti or penne pasta: I like using ziti for its sturdy shape, but penne works just as well to hold that creamy sauce.
• Italian sausage: Whether ground or removed from casings, the sausage adds bold seasoning and meaty goodness.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics build the savory base—don’t skimp on fresh garlic for that punch.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds authentic Italian flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended if you like a subtle, warming heat.
• Crushed tomatoes: Choose good-quality canned tomatoes for a rich, tangy sauce.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce silky and indulgent—you won’t want to substitute lightly!
• Ricotta cheese: Adds that lovely creamy layer right in the middle; it’s a game changer.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to boost flavor and add a slightly nutty finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topper that makes every bite heavenly.
• Fresh parsley or basil: For bright, herby freshness when serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe can be. You can switch things up based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few of my go-to variations that keep things exciting without complicating the process.

• Meat Swap: I’ve used ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, and it still tastes fantastic with the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding provolone or fontina for extra gooeyness; I once tried smoked mozzarella and it added a subtle depth.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant—delicious and hearty!
• Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes up or down depending on how much heat you like; sometimes I skip it if serving kids.

How to Make Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep Pasta Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning the rack in the upper third—that way the cheese has a chance to brown nicely later. Boil salted water and cook your ziti for about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This is a trick I learned early on—it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

While the pasta cooks, brown the Italian sausage along with the chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat. It usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes—make sure to break up the meat as it cooks so it’s crumbly and evenly cooked. Once browned, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and those optional red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar. That sugar is my secret weapon—it balances out the acidity of the tomatoes in a way that makes the sauce taste like something you’d get from your favorite Italian spot. Let everything heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Layer the Ziti and Cheeses

Now for the fun part: toss the drained pasta right into the sauce pot and mix to coat well. Then, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. I like to dollop the ricotta cheese over this first layer in little spoonfuls—it doesn’t have to be perfect, because it creates those delicious pockets of creamy goodness. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the ziti is hot and bubbly. Then, switch your oven to broil and watch closely as the cheese browns to a golden, irresistible crust—that part always makes my kitchen smell amazing and sparks eager anticipation at the dinner table.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, a scatter of chopped fresh parsley and basil adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. I also sometimes drizzle a little good olive oil over the top for an extra shine and depth.

Side Dishes

This creamy baked ziti pairs so well with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, and my family loves roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli as a veggie side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like setting the baked ziti in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—each person gets their own bubbling hot portion, which always feels a little extra special. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a lovely crunchy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, they keep great for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually meld even more, making the next day’s meal even tastier.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe several times with excellent results. Just be sure to freeze before baking—assemble it in your casserole dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a bit of extra time to make sure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually cover leftovers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for around 20 minutes, or until bubbly. If you want to revive the cheese topping, take off the foil for the last 5 minutes to let it crisp up again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly feels like an old friend—dependable, comforting, and absolutely delicious. I used to struggle to get baked pasta just right until I honed in on the undercooked pasta and the creamy, cheesy layering technique. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen that impresses every time, whether feeding my family or hosting guests. I hope you’ll give it a try soon, and I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a favorite in your home too!

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