Description

Welcome to this delicious Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Sausage recipe! Imagine perfectly al dente pasta, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese all baked together under a blanket of melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make Italian-inspired comfort dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or Sunday suppers. Let’s dive into the detailed steps and tips to master this irresistible meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried ziti pasta (or any other short tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni)
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casings removed)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 sweet onion (diced into ¼-inch pieces)
2 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves (or 2 tsp dried oregano)
4 cloves garlic (grated)
½–1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
½ tsp fennel seeds
2 Tbsp tomato paste
½ cup red wine (such as Chianti)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
5 ounces fresh baby spinach (or thinly sliced Swiss chard leaves)
1 tsp Kosher salt (plus more for seasoning pasta water)
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (grated, divided)
1 lemon (zested, about 1–2 tsp)
1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded or ripped)

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions

Gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Chicken sausage for a lighter version.
Non-dairy ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente (typically 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests).
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Sausage: Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. This should take about 4-6 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add Onions & Garlic: Add diced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add Spices & Tomato Paste: Stir in oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits.
Add Tomatoes: Once the wine reduces by half, add the crushed tomatoes. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach

Wilt the Greens: Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
Season with Salt & Pepper: Add 1 tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with ¼ cup reserved pasta water.
Stir Well: Mix until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.

Step 7: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

Mix Ricotta & Cheese: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano, and lemon zest.
Stir Until Smooth: Mix until the ricotta mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 8: Assemble the Ziti

Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Dollop Ricotta Mixture: Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Repeat: Top with remaining pasta and ricotta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.

Step 9: Bake

Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
Broil for a Crisp Top: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown crust.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish & Serve: Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
Experiment with Sausage: Try using spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Layering is Key: Layering the pasta and cheese mixture ensures every bite has a perfect blend of flavors.