Mozzarella Ziti with Sausage

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Mozzarella Ziti with Sausage, a hearty baked pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Tender ziti pasta is tossed with a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and perfectly browned Italian sausage—choose mild for a classic taste or spicy for a bold kick. Creamy ricotta and a generous layer of melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create an irresistibly gooey, golden topping that’s baked to perfection. Ready in just about an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, it’s a family-friendly dish that serves six and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Perfect for lovers of baked ziti recipes, cheesy pasta bakes, and Italian sausage dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the marinara sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2423.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4516.9

Total Fat 233.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 633.6mg	0%
Sodium 8985.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 403.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.0g	0%
Total Sugars 40.0g
Protein 221.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3356.8mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 1545.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 35.1%