One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
A hearty baked pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage and gooey melted cheese in a rich tomato sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs Italian sausage, casing removed, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casing) and cook, breaking into small pieces, for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: 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. Pour in 2 cups water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta to the sauce, stirring well to submerge the pasta. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat. Drop spoonfuls of 1 cup ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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 One-Pot 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.
