Baked Ziti with Sausage, Cream, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, hearty pasta dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Baked Ziti with Sausage, Cream, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender ziti noodles swimming in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, spiced up with sausage and garlic, all topped with a golden layer of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an irresistible combination that hits all the right notes—rich, creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the meaty sausage that adds boldness to the fresh basil that brightens the dish, these elements come together with simple elegance to make an unforgettable baked ziti.

• Ziti noodles: The ideal pasta shape here because they hold onto sauce beautifully and ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Ground sausage: Whether sweet or spicy, it’s packed with flavor and adds hearty richness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant punch that elevates the sauce.
• Crushed tomatoes: Provide a vibrant, tangy base that’s balanced by the cream.
• Heavy cream: Adds amazing creaminess that rounds out the acidity in the tomatoes.
• Crushed red pepper (optional): A pinch for those who appreciate a gentle heat layering under the savory sausage.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Packed with saltiness and depth, it enriches both the sauce and the topping.
• Fresh basil leaves: Bright, aromatic, and colorful finishing touch to the dish.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, dreamy blanket of cheesy goodness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the true flavors of every ingredient.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Cream, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s important to prep this early so the flavors and textures meld seamlessly once everything is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook! Drain well and set aside; these noodles will soak up some sauce when baked.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from getting too oily.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and stir for 2-3 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden. This step infuses the sausage with that wonderful fresh garlic aroma that brightens every bite.

Step 5: Simmer Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.

Step 6: Add Cream and Seasonings

Stir in the heavy cream and, if you like a little heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes so that the rich cream mellows out the tomato acidity, creating a velvety sauce.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Take the skillet off the heat and mix in half of the grated Parmesan cheese along with the chopped fresh basil. This step brings fresh brightness and cheesy depth right before layering.

Step 8: Layer the Ziti and Sauce

In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti noodles. Pour half of the sausage and cream sauce over the pasta and spread it evenly for full coverage.

Step 9: Add Mozzarella

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This cheese layer is what will melt and bubble beautifully in the oven.

Step 10: Repeat Layers

Repeat the layering with the remaining ziti, sauce, and mozzarella. Each layer builds flavor and gooey cheesiness for a truly comforting finish.

Step 11: Top with Parmesan

Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan cheese over the final mozzarella layer. This gives the top a deliciously salty crust once baked.

Step 12: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Covering keeps the pasta moist and lets the cheese melt gently.

Step 13: Bake Uncovered to Brown Cheese

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This final step adds that irresistible, slightly crispy top layer everyone loves.

Step 14: Garnish

Finish your creation by garnishing with extra fresh basil or Italian parsley for a pop of green and an herbal lift right before serving.

Step 15: Let it Rest

Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5 to 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and slices hold their shape perfectly. Then dig in and savor every cheesy, creamy bite!

How to Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage, Cream, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a few sprigs of Italian parsley aren’t just pretty—they add a bright aroma and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. You might also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan for that last savory touch.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti shines as the star of the table but pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the baked ziti in individual ramekins or baking it in smaller portions so each guest has a personalized casserole. Layered in clear glass baking dishes, the colorful noodles, red sauce, and melted cheese make a stunning presentation too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti tastes fantastic the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

If you want to save time on busy nights, freeze the fully assembled, unbaked ziti (wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap) for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if still chilled.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving works too for a quicker fix, but the oven keeps that delightful texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this baked ziti?

Absolutely! Both sweet and spicy sausages work well, and you could also try Italian chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just adjust the seasoning to match the flavor profile you prefer.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?

Heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and smooth texture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version—just expect a slightly less creamy sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or a meat substitute like plant-based sausage. This will still deliver a hearty, flavorful baked ziti without the meat.

How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The dish is ready once the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling, and the sauce inside is hot and slightly thickened. Usually, baking for 30 minutes as directed ensures perfect doneness.

What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find mozzarella?

While mozzarella is ideal for melting, you can substitute provolone or fontina, which also melt well and taste great. For topping, a little extra Parmesan always enhances flavor, no matter what cheese you use.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Sausage, Cream, and Melted Mozzarella Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. It brings comfort, joy, and rich flavors in every forkful, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved recipe you return to again and again!

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