Baked Ziti with Sausage and Mozzarella

This baked ziti with sausage is a rich, comforting pasta bake made with spicy Italian sausage, rigatoni, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a bold homemade arrabbiata sauce. It is hearty enough for a family dinner, simple enough for a weeknight, and satisfying enough to serve when you want a cozy baked pasta dish with plenty of flavor.

Easy baked ziti with sausage and basil in a baking dish.

If you love cheesy pasta bakes, this easy baked ziti with sausage is a great recipe to keep in your rotation. The arrabbiata sauce brings a gentle heat, the sausage adds savory depth, and the layers of cheese melt into the pasta for a bubbling, golden finish.

Table of Contents

⭐️ Why this recipe works

Hearty and filling: Pasta, sausage, tomato sauce, and cheese come together in one satisfying baked pasta recipe that is ideal for feeding a hungry table.
Big flavor with simple ingredients: Garlic, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian sausage create a sauce that tastes rich without being complicated.
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble the baked ziti in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when you are ready to serve.
Easy to customize: Swap the pasta shape, adjust the spice, or add vegetables to make this sausage pasta bake suit your taste.
Perfectly cheesy: Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan brings a salty, savory finish.

🧾 Ingredients notes

Italian sausage: Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage. Removing the casings helps the sausage brown evenly and mix through the pasta.
Crushed tomatoes: These form the base of the arrabbiata sauce and give it a thick, rustic texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory foundation to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: These provide the signature arrabbiata heat. Use more or less depending on how spicy you like your baked ziti.
Fresh basil: Basil is optional, but it adds freshness and balances the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Rigatoni pasta: Rigatoni is sturdy and ridged, so it holds the sauce well and keeps its texture after baking.
Ricotta cheese: Ricotta makes the pasta bake creamy and helps create soft, rich layers throughout the dish.
Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts into a gooey topping and gives the baked pasta its classic cheesy pull.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, salty note that rounds out the sauce and cheese layers.
Fresh basil for garnish: A little basil on top adds color and a fresh finish before serving.

For exact quantities, see the recipe card below.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here’s how to make it

Easy baked ziti with sausage step-by-step

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it is fully heated when the pasta bake is ready.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the arrabbiata sauce: Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and sugar, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add fresh basil near the end if using.
Brown the sausage: Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Pasta layered with cheese and sauce in a baking dish.

Combine the pasta, sauce, and sausage: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni, browned sausage, and arrabbiata sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
Layer the baked ziti: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake until bubbling: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

📖 Substitutions and variations

Meat: Replace Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or a meatless sausage alternative.
Cheese: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred, or add a layer of béchamel sauce for a creamier baked pasta.
Pasta: Rigatoni works well, but penne or another short pasta shape can also be used. Cook it al dente before baking.
Vegetables: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spice level: Reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder pasta bake, or increase them for a hotter arrabbiata sauce.

💡 Chef’s Guide: Expert Tips

These simple tips will help you make a baked ziti with sausage that is saucy, cheesy, and full of flavor every time.

Cook the pasta al dente: The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid boiling it until completely soft.
Do not skimp on sauce: The pasta needs enough sauce to stay moist as it bakes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water.
Brown the sausage well: Browning adds savory flavor and helps keep the final dish from tasting flat.
Layer the cheese evenly: Spreading the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan through the dish ensures every serving has a creamy, cheesy bite.
Let it rest before serving: A short rest helps the pasta bake settle, making it easier to scoop and serve.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

Fridge: Store cooled baked ziti with sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place the baked ziti in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

❓Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When baking from cold, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time so the center heats properly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Rigatoni can be replaced with penne or another short pasta shape. Cook the pasta just until al dente before mixing it with the sauce.

How do I prevent baked ziti from becoming dry?

Make sure the pasta is generously coated with sauce before baking. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to hold in moisture, and avoid overbaking once the cheese is melted.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage works best because it brings strong savory flavor. Sweet or spicy Italian sausage both work well, and chicken or turkey sausage can also be used.

Did you make this easy baked ziti with sausage? Serve it hot from the oven with a simple salad or your favorite side dish for a comforting pasta dinner everyone can enjoy.

Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe

This baked ziti with sausage is a hearty pasta casserole made with rigatoni, Italian sausage, homemade arrabbiata sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It is warm, cheesy, slightly spicy, and perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

For the Arrabbiata Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped, optional

For the Baked Ziti:

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish, optional

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Arrabbiata Sauce:

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes and sugar. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the fresh basil during the last few minutes if using.

Prepare the Sausage:

Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni, browned sausage, and arrabbiata sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Layer the Dish:

Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve:

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot.

Notes

Sauce variation: Adjust the red pepper flakes to make the arrabbiata sauce milder or spicier.
Cheese options: Add béchamel between the pasta layers for an even creamier texture.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the refrigerator, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 851kcal
| Carbohydrates: 71g
| Protein: 38g
| Fat: 46g

Meet the Chef!

Hi, I’m Debs, a Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I create reliable dinner recipes with clear step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and techniques learned from years in professional kitchens.