Description
This Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Italian-inspired pasta bake layered with marinara sauce, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners, this easy-to-make dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that delivers rich, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta: cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 4 links (about 1 pound) Italian sausage: cooked and sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce: rich tomato base for flavor and moisture
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and richness
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for a gooey texture
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: chopped for a burst of freshness
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves: chopped for color and herb flavor
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional): adds extra cheesiness
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional): boosts nutrition and color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Let cool slightly, then slice into rounds.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sausage, and all but 1 cup of marinara sauce until combined.
- Spread half the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Spoon half the ricotta and mozzarella over the top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, top with the rest of the ricotta, mozzarella, and the reserved marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil and parsley, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor and heat.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For a vegetarian option, replace sausage with zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Add a splash of sauce when reheating to keep the ziti moist and creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 653 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 788 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti with Ricotta, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, sausage ziti, ricotta pasta, easy family dinner, Italian recipe