Pasta Bake with Sausage (Baked Ziti)
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Pasta Bake with Sausage (Baked Ziti), a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or hosting friends, this recipe features tender pasta enveloped in a luscious marinara sauce, savory sausage, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, it’s a go-to option for weeknight meals or potluck gatherings. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, making it a practical choice for busy lifestyles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage with diced onion until fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in marinara sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, cooked pasta, dollops of ricotta cheese, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with remaining sauce and cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg