Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella is comfort food wearing a party dress — cheesy, saucy, and wildly indulgent. It’s layered with pasta, rich tomato sauce, and smoky vegan sausage that tastes scandalously real. The melted mozzarella stretches just right, proving plants can totally bring the drama. You’ll mix, bake, and pretend you’re starring in an Italian cooking show. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or impressing your crush with zero effort. Grab your baking dish, your sass, and your appetite — because this ziti means business.
Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
A comforting vegan baked ziti layered with marinara, plant-based sausage, and melty dairy-free mozzarella — bold, hearty, and packed with Italian flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease your baking dish like you’re prepping for a food commercial.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a frying pan. Add onion and garlic; sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the vegan sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
- Add tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick and rich.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the sauce and half the mozzarella. Stir well until beautifully coated.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and nutritional yeast on top for that perfect cheesy crown.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil, take a dramatic sniff, and serve hot with garlic bread or smug satisfaction.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 14 g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 15%
- Calcium: 12%
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 9%
- Magnesium: 8%
Additional Notes / Tips
- Add spinach or mushrooms for bonus flavor and color.
- Use penne if you can’t find ziti — pasta equality is real.
- For extra creaminess, stir a spoon of vegan ricotta into the sauce.
- Make ahead and reheat — it tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with wine, laughter, and that “I totally cooked this myself” energy.
