Best 7 Ziti With Italian Sausage Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with the delightful flavors of Ziti with Italian Sausage, a classic Italian-American dish that combines hearty pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This versatile recipe offers a variety of options to cater to your preferences, from a quick and easy weeknight meal to an impressive dish for special occasions. Whether you choose a simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce, the combination of tender ziti pasta, succulent Italian sausage, and a medley of herbs and spices guarantees a satisfying and delectable experience. Explore the diverse variations of this beloved dish, including a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables and a zesty lemon-herb sauce, and a mouthwatering baked ziti with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the harmonious blend of Italian tradition and modern culinary artistry.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This bubbling baked ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it freezes well too.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb ziti noodles
1.5 lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package directions for very al dente, about 7 minutes. (It will continue to cook in the oven so you want to undercook it just a bit.) Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and set the oven rack in the middle position.
  • Heat a large sauté pan (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan and set over low heat (if you don't have enough fat in the pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil). Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar and red pepper flakes and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
  • Add the cream, ⅓ cup of the pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Carefully pour the contents of the sauté pan into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half the remaining pecorino Romano. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and pecorino Romano. Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more basil and serve.
  • Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The dish can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days in advance, or frozen for up to 3 months. (If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator overnight.) Whether refrigerated or frozen and defrosted, bake, covered tightly with aluminum foil, in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and the pasta is hot throughout.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613, Fat 38 g, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sugar 6 g, Fiber 3 g, Sodium 913 mg, Cholesterol 111 mg

BEST ZITI EVER WITH SAUSAGE



Best Ziti Ever with Sausage image

Ziti is layered with sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce, then baked until bubbling.

Provided by Dawn

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2 (24 ounce) jars Classico® Tomato and Basil Sauce
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, divided
12 ounces ricotta cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1 dash salt and pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat pasta sauce with 1 teaspoon basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Spread bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with sauce. Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2, the sausage, 1/2 of the ricotta, and 1/2 the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 teaspoons basil and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 631.1 calories, Carbohydrate 63.1 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 36.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 1350.3 mg, Sugar 10.8 g

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Sausage image

This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.

Provided by Ashley

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package dry ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 large yellow onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
1 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, and cook and stir until brown, about 10 minutes. Drain sausage and set aside.
  • Stir together the ricotta, egg, onion, garlic, and oregano in a large bowl until well combined. Stir in the drained pasta, the drained sausage, salt, pepper, and 1/2 jar of the spaghetti sauce; mix well.
  • In the prepared baking dish, cover the bottom with 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 jar of spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Then layer the remaining 1/2 of the pasta, 1/3 of the sauce, and 1/2 of the cheese. Sprinkle with basil. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Uncover; return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, 5 to 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 649.4 calories, Carbohydrate 68.9 g, Cholesterol 85.5 mg, Fat 27.4 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 1485.1 mg, Sugar 14.9 g

BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti and Sausage image

This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.-Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups uncooked ziti or other small tube pasta
1/2 pound Italian sausage links
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Paprika

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; place in a large bowl. In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and cut into 1/2-in. slices., In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and remaining Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Add sausage to the remaining pasta mixture; spoon over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts :

BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage image

Any dinner table benefits from the addition of this great Italian flavor!

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (19 ounces) Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage Links
8 ounces penne pasta (about 2 1/2 cups), cooked and drained
1 jar (26 ounces) pasta sauce
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (10 ounces) frozen garlic bread, ends removed and cut into 9 slices
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium Roma tomatoes, cut into slices
9 fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Cook sausage links according to package directions; drain, cut into ¼-inch slices.
  • In a large bowl, combine sausage slices, pasta, pasta sauce, water, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pepper and mix well.
  • Spoon mixture into a greased 9-in. x 13-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
  • Arrange garlic bread slices on top of meat mixture.
  • Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
  • In a small bowl, dip tomato slices into olive oil.
  • Place one slice of tomato on each piece of bread.
  • Bake uncovered, at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with basil leaves. Serve.

BAKED ZITI AND ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Baked Ziti and Italian Sausage image

This is different from the other Baked Ziti's posted....it has no tomato sauce or tomatoes! I have to admit, I sometimes increase the sausage to 1 1/2 lbs, especially if I have a teenage boy eating!

Provided by breezermom

Categories     Pork

Time 1h40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (16 ounce) carton ricotta cheese (may use small-curd cottage cheese instead)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 oz)
paprika

Steps:

  • Cook the ziti according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
  • Cook the sausage links in oil in a large skillet for 15 minutes or until browned over medium heat; reduce heat if necessary to keep them from burning. Drain well on paper towels. Slice the sausage diagonally and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Add the ziti; stir well, and set aside.
  • Combine the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg, parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Stir well.
  • Place half of the macaroni mixture in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the sausage. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sausages. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and paprika.
  • Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

THREE-CHEESE BAKED ZITI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE



Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage image

This version of baked ziti omits the usual ricotta cheese (or its substitutes) and adds Italian sausage, with very satisfying results!

Provided by Doug in Manhattan

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

nonstick cooking spray
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup diced onion
3 cloves garlic, diced
5 cups lower-sodium pasta sauce
⅓ cup sliced black olives
1 tablespoon whole fennel seeds
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a 4-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine mozzarella and Italian blend cheeses in a bowl and place in the refrigerator.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • At the same time, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break up into morsels. Sprinkle baking soda onto sausage, then add onion and garlic. Cook and stir, continuing to break up any clumps as it cooks, until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off and discard any grease.
  • Add pasta sauce, olives, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, anchovy paste, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add up to 3 tablespoons more oil if desired, and continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring regularly, until thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ziti.
  • Spread 1/2 of the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 of the shredded cheese mixture evenly on top. Spoon or ladle the rest of the ziti evenly on top without disturbing the layers underneath; it's okay to have some ziti partially exposed as they will brown handsomely and deliciously as they bake. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese mixture on top and sprinkle Parmesan across the surface.
  • Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 1144.9 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

- To save time, you can cook the Italian sausage and sauce in advance. Simply store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to assemble the dish, thaw the sausage and sauce overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours. - If you don't have any Italian sausage, you can substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just be sure to season it with Italian seasoning or your favorite herbs and spices. - To make the dish a little more flavorful, you can add a cup of chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the sauce. - If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a half cup of heavy cream or milk to the sauce. - To make the dish even more cheesy, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. - Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Ziti with Italian sausage is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of ziti pasta, Italian sausage, sauce, and cheese is irresistible, and the dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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