Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Casserole

Gather around, folks, for a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage. This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, marrying the robust flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting embrace of pasta and cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe promises a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a dish.

I love to spice things up with hot Italian sausage, but if your taste buds favor a milder approach, sweet Italian sausage works just as wonderfully. You’ll start by sizzling the sausage in a skillet, then boil your ziti to al dente perfection. Once everything’s cooked, toss it all together in your pasta pot with some savory marinara sauce, then layer it into a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden. And while optional, a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous handful of Parmesan truly elevate this dish to sublime heights.

Here’s how you whip up this comforting classic:

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, choose hot or sweet according to your preference)

1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 pound dry ziti pasta

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional, but recommended)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but for cheese lovers, it’s a must)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets things nice and hot for baking later.

Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the sausage until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the onions and garlic. Cook for about a minute until the onions are translucent and everything smells heavenly.

Cook the pasta: While the sausage is doing its thing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Mix it all together: To the pasta, add the cooked sausage, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese here. Give everything a good toss to make sure the pasta is well coated with all that saucy goodness.

Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

There you have it! A delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy. Serve this baked ziti with a side of oven-roasted zucchini or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and love baked right into this dish, perfect for any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying dinner.