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
Ingredients
- 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
Yay Sarah! So happy everyone loved it 🙂
A total hit with the family. Thank you. I passed it along to all of my friends with kids. 😃
Yes Rebecca 🙂
When you say 1 package of cream cheese do you mean 8 oz.?
Oh Yay Sarah! I'm so glad you loved it. Thanks for the great rating and taking the time to come back here to let me know 🙂
Outstanding recipe
You can Pin it to Pinterest or print it out.
Is there no way I can share or save this recipe until I have time to make it?
Yes Mary it freezes beautifully 🙂
Does this spicy ziti pasta dish freeze well ifmade ahead