If you’re craving a comforting, hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from your oven, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe. I absolutely love this because it’s packed with rich flavors, melty cheese, and that wonderful tang from fresh basil. When I first tried this dish, it quickly became a family favorite, and I’m excited to share all my tips so you nail it the first time you make it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of spicy sausage, creamy pecorino, and fresh basil is a real crowd-pleaser.
Simple Yet Impressive: You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a dish that looks like it took hours to make.
Make-Ahead Friendly: I love that you can assemble it in advance and freeze it for busy nights.
Family Approved: My kids beg for this dinner—and yours will too!

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe really comes from simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a role: the sausage adds depth and savoriness, the cheeses provide creamy, melty goodness, and the fresh basil brings just the right fresh pop.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked ziti pasta arranged neatly, raw Italian sausage links with natural marbling, four whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl with grated pecorino Romano cheese, a small white bowl holding shredded fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh green basil leaves loosely scattered, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, and a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage, baked ziti with sausage, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty pasta dishes, baked Italian pasta

Ziti noodles: Go for the classic tubular pasta to catch all that sauce and cheese perfectly.
Ground Italian sausage: Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, it adds incredible flavor—just remove casings if needed.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference over pre-minced versions for that bright punch.
Crushed tomatoes: Choose a good-quality canned tomato with no added herbs for a clean, rich sauce base.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors at the right balance.
Sugar: A little helps tame the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overpowering the dish.
Heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its velvety texture and richness.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Sharp and salty, this cheese complements the mozzarella perfectly; you can also use Parmigiano Reggiano.
Fresh basil: Adds a touch of herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Use whole milk shredded mozzarella so it melts beautifully and stretches delightfully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe to match the occasion or mood, and you should totally make it your own! Here are some ways I’ve customized it over time.

Vegetarian Version: Swap out sausage for sautéed mushrooms and roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers—easy and just as satisfying!
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to turn up the heat for spice lovers.
Cheese Swap: Try mixing in some fontina or gouda for a different melty texture and flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta to keep this meal accessible for dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ziti to Perfect Al Dente

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your ziti noodles. I always cook mine just a bit under the package instructions—about 7 minutes—because the pasta will keep cooking in the oven. Trust me, this little trick keeps your pasta from turning mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain well and set aside in the pot.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Build the Sauce

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s just browned and cooked through—about 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, leaving most of the fat behind. Keep about a tablespoon of fat in the pan (add olive oil if needed). Next, add your minced garlic and cook it gently for about a minute—watch carefully so it softens but doesn’t brown.

Then stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let that simmer uncovered for 10 minutes—this step helps the flavors concentrate and develop beautifully.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything

Lower the heat and add heavy cream, pecorino Romano cheese, cooked sausage, and chopped basil to the sauce. Stir until everything is combined and creamy. Pour the sauce over your cooked pasta in the pot and gently fold it in so every piece is coated with that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Layer, Cheese, and Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide half the pasta mixture into your 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella and half the remaining pecorino over it. Then add the rest of the pasta mixture on top and repeat the cheese layers. Pop it into your preheated 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. I always keep an eye on that cheese to get it just right—ooey and melty without burning.

When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with extra fresh basil. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Under-Cook Pasta Slightly: It’s key to prevent mushy pasta after baking—trust me, it’s worth it.
Use Good Quality Sausage: The flavor difference from fresh Italian sausage really elevates the sauce.
Simmer Sauce Uncovered: This thickens the sauce nicely and deepens all the flavors.
Don’t Skip Fresh Basil: Adding it at the end brightens the entire dish—makes a huge difference.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves on top and love a final dusting of grated pecorino Romano. Sometimes I add a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for that finishing touch. It makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cheesy baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. I also like serving it alongside roasted garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. Light steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins which makes for a super cute presentation and easier serving. Another fun idea is to add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and texture contrast. It’s always a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I cool the baked ziti to room temperature, then store it tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors meld even better overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! I assemble everything but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just covering with foil first to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend warming it in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave in a covered dish but be careful not to overcook the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta than ziti in this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is classic, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even rigatoni. Just stick to tubular shapes that hold onto the sauce well.
How do I make this recipe spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet, or add a bit more crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Just add the flakes carefully so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to two days before baking and keep it refrigerated, or freeze it for up to three months. Just follow the reheating instructions for a perfect finish.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy after baking?

The key is to cook your pasta just until it’s al dente but slightly undercooked before baking. This way, it finishes cooking in the sauce in the oven without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe is truly one of those dishes I keep coming back to, especially when I want comfort food that’s also impressive enough for guests. It’s my go-to when I want something rich, satisfying, and just a bit special without hours of fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it out—you’ll have your own “family favorite” moment in no time!