Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, I absolutely love how this Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: rich, comforting, and loaded with gooey melted cheese that your whole family will go crazy over. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by how simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (but honestly, it’s pretty straightforward). So, if you want a crowd-pleasing pasta baked with a luscious creamy sauce and spicy Italian sausage, keep reading — you’re going to love this!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe are simple but pack a flavorful punch. I love that the creamy element comes from heavy cream combined with a mix of sharp cheeses that melt just right. When you shop, look for good quality Italian sausage and fresh basil – these make all the difference.

• Ziti noodles: Traditional tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully; make sure to cook them al dente so they finish perfectly in the oven.
• Ground Italian sausage: I usually use spicy for a little kick, but sweet works well too – or a mix of both for balance.
• Garlic: Freshly minced to give that aromatic base to the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce, adding richness and tang.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the individual flavors.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat – adjust to your spice preference.
• Heavy cream: The secret for that luscious, creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Pecorino Romano cheese: Sharp and salty, it elevates the flavors with a punch.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous flair—use plenty if you can!
• Whole milk mozzarella cheese: For that delightful gooey melt and golden top.

Variations

I love customizing this Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe based on what my fridge has or the season – this dish is super forgiving and welcomes tweaks to suit your taste.

• Vegetarian Variation: I sometimes swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms and eggplant, and add extra herbs for depth – still gets rave reviews from my vegetarian friends!
• Spice Level: If you’re a heat lover like me, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce in the sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Mix: Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different melty cheese experience.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta – I’ve done this, and it works just as well, though baking time might vary slightly.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta just right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to cook the ziti noodles according to package directions but stop a minute or two before they’re fully done—they should be very al dente. This is because they continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want mushy pasta. When done, drain and toss them back into the pot so they don’t stick together while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and build flavor

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. I find using a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage out makes removing excess fat easier, which keeps the sauce from getting greasy. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan; add a bit of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, which usually takes about a minute.

Step 3: Simmer the sauce to perfection

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes so those flavors can marry. This simmer is where the magic happens—I learned to never skip this step because it really brings out the tomato’s sweetness and rounds out the spice.

Step 4: Create the creamy sausage sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and fresh basil. This creamy mix will coat the pasta beautifully and give the bake its signature rich texture. Stir gently to combine everything well, taking care not to break the pasta.

Step 5: Assemble and bake your masterpiece

Spoon half the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella and pecorino on top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese. Pop it into a hot 425°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes—until the cheese is melted and beautifully browned. Watching the cheese bubble and turn golden is always the best part of this whole process!

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra fresh basil on top right before serving—it adds such a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil for that finishing touch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are simple garlic bread and a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, and the salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. It looks charming and gives that restaurant-style feel at home. Another fun idea is adding colorful roasted veggies on top or on the side to swoon your guests with vibrant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let leftovers cool completely and stash them in airtight containers in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days—if any lasts that long! The flavors actually deepen overnight, so often it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen assembled Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti numerous times with great success. Just cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy holiday dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If you want that nice melty top, uncover for the last 5 minutes to get some golden browning. Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking preserves the creamy texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Baked Ziti Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want comfort food that feels special but comes together easily. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a potluck contribution. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you crave cheesy, creamy pasta that feels homemade with love.

Print