Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Baked Ziti combines pasta, sausage, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce into a comforting and delicious Italian dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a meal to bring to others! With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory sausage, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s simple to make and bakes to bubbly perfection!

Baked Ziti

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 lb ziti (rigatoni or penne can also be used)
1 (24-26 ounce) jar marinara sauce (Rao’s brand recommended)
16 ounces cottage cheese (1% fat)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 large eggs
¼ cup chopped basil (more for topping)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasonings

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta for about 5 minutes, or until al dente (it will cook further in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Drain and cool.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of marinara sauce, cottage cheese, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping), eggs, and basil. Add the cooked sausage and mix well.
Make the sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta or sausage, combine the heavy cream, cornstarch, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir into the cottage cheese and sausage mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the mixture and combine well. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish: Garnish with additional basil and serve.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Kcal: 430 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed dish.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cheeses and cottage cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready!

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses, like provolone or fontina, if you prefer.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce is perfect for this recipe. For an extra boost, add a little garlic and herbs to the sauce to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Ziti is the perfect Italian comfort food that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a dish for a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to impress! Enjoy the layers of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!