Go Back
One-Pan Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage

One-Pan Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Sausage

A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish with ziti, flavorful Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese all cooked in one pan for easy prep and cleanup. Perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 7
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450 g ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 lb 450 g Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
  • 4 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth to help cook pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  3. Add pasta & sauce: Stir in uncooked ziti, marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat pasta.
  4. Simmer: Cover and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta starts to soften.
  5. Add cheeses: Dollop ricotta over pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
  6. Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Make it lighter by using turkey sausage or part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
  • Add spinach or sautéed vegetables for more nutrition.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer mixture to a casserole dish before baking.