Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic comfort dish that's easy and delicious! A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

This Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti totally hits the spot! Tender pasta smothered in sauce with my special cheese blend that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. If you looking for a little more kick try my Chicken and Sausage Pasta.

One of the great things about this baked ziti is it can be made ahead of time and then just pop in the oven for a delicious weeknight meal. Add a salad and some garlic bread and you're all set! Except for dessert of course....but I totally got that covered too. My Rich and Creamy New York Cheesecake will rock your world!

Just drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on the pasta and it will melt into cheesy deliciousness. I've never been a huge fan of Ricotta, and I can't really put my finger on why I think it's the gritty texture.  This cheese mixture is amazing! Not gonna lie I do lick the bowl when I'm done, none goes to waste.

We like our pasta dishes a little saucier, but if you like it on the dryer side feel free to cut back on that sauce.

Still hungry? Check out these recipes!

• Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Easy Oven-Baked Ribs
• Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter
• Skillet Burger with Caramelized Onions
• Beef Stroganoff
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

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Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti

Wendie

Tender pasta, smothered in sauce with my special cheese blend that will satisfy even the pickiest eater.

4.47 from 67 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Entrees

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Calories 486 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 16 oz dry ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb Hot Italian Sausage
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2-3 jars marinara/spaghetti sauce 24 ounces each (see notes)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 8 ounce pkg cream cheese at room temperature
• 3 cups mozzarella
• Fresh Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cook pasta 2 minutes under al dente according to package directions, drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet add onions and saute 2-3 minutes, add sausage and cook stirring occasionally, until cooked through about 12 minutes. Drain fat and add in garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes. Add in sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
• In a medium bowl add cottage cheese, cream cheese, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil and mix until combined.
• Add meat mixture to pasta and mix until combined. In a 9x13 baking dish pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Add small scoops of the cheese mixture on the pasta. Then add the rest of the pasta. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil

Notes

We like our pasta dishes a little saucier, if you prefer your pasta a little dryer only use 2 jars of pasta sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ServingsCalories: 486kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 28gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 753mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Keyword pasta, ziti

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