Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty baked ziti layered with spicy Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, inspired by Chicago’s iconic deep-dish flavors. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs dry ziti pasta, Italian sausage, casing removed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz dry ziti pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, sausage tomato sauce, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well mixed.
  6. Step 6: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Step 7: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
  8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dry ziti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Deep-Dish Style Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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