Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata is a rich, creamy pasta bake that comforts on any night.

introduction — Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

This Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata brings bold flavors and melty cheese together in one dish. It’s simple to make and feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers.

If you enjoy warm, cheesy bakes and want more ideas for rich pastry or cheese dishes, check this helpful puff pastry three-ingredient dough guide for other baked treats.

why make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Make this Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata because it:

• Combines savory sausage and crispy pancetta for deep flavor.
• Uses burrata for a creamy, luxurious finish.
• Is easy to scale up for family meals or parties.

This dish pairs well with other baked cheese ideas like a baked brie in a bread bowl when you want a full comfort-food spread.

how to make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Follow these clear steps to make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata at home. The sauce simmers while you cook the pasta, so timing is easy.

For a tip on mixing cheeses and toppings in bakes, you might like this baked brie with figs idea to inspire your finishing touches.

Ingredients : Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

• 1 pound ziti or any short-cut pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Large handful of fresh basil, torn (about 1/2 cup), plus extra for garnish
• 24 ounces burrata (three 8-ounce containers), divided
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions : Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

• Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
• Cook Pancetta and Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook pancetta 4–5 minutes until crispy, then transfer to paper towels. In same skillet, add sausages and break into small pieces; cook 6–7 minutes until browned.
• Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add garlic and onion to skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Watch the garlic so it does not burn.
• Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Return pancetta to skillet. Bring to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Assemble the Ziti: Stir torn fresh basil into sauce, then mix in the cooked ziti. Fold in 8 ounces torn burrata and 1/2 cup Parmesan. If needed, move mixture to a large oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly and top with another 8 ounces torn burrata and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
• Bake: Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and cheese bubbles. For extra color, broil 1–2 minutes.
• Serve: Let cool about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and the last 8 ounces of burrata torn on top. Drizzle with olive oil and serve right away.

how to serve Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Serve this Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata hot so the burrata stays creamy. Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread.

Spoon portions onto plates, add torn basil on top, and offer extra Parmesan at the table.

how to store Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Cool the pasta completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

• Cook pasta just shy of al dente so it won’t overcook in the oven.
• Use both sweet and hot sausage for balanced flavor.
• Tear burrata by hand and add some after baking for a fresh, creamy top.
• Let the baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving to set.
• Use a large oven-safe skillet to save a transfer step.

variation (if any) — Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

• Swap ziti for rigatoni, penne, or another short pasta.
• Use all sweet or all hot sausage to suit your spice preference.
• Replace burrata with fresh mozzarella for a firmer cheese melt.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for extra texture.

FAQs — Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

Q: Can I use mozzarella instead of burrata?
A: Yes. Mozzarella works well and gives a firmer cheese texture. Burrata adds extra creaminess if you want a richer finish.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Q: Where can I buy burrata?
A: You can find burrata at many grocery stores or specialty shops. Buy it here

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: Mild to medium. The pinch of red pepper flakes and hot sausage add warmth, but you can omit them for a milder dish.

Baked Ziti with Sausage, Pancetta, and Burrata

This rich, creamy pasta bake combines savory sausage, crispy pancetta, and luxurious burrata cheese for a comforting dish that's perfect for any night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauces

• 1 pound ziti or any short-cut pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
• 2 cans 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Meats

• 4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage

Vegetables and Spices

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• large handful fresh basil, torn (about 1/2 cup), plus extra for garnish

Cheese

• 24 ounces burrata (three 8-ounce containers), divided
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti 1–2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook pancetta 4–5 minutes until crispy, then transfer to paper towels.
• In the same skillet, add sausages and break into small pieces; cook 6–7 minutes until browned.
• Add garlic and onion to skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Watch to ensure garlic does not burn.

Sauce Preparation

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Return pancetta to the skillet. Bring to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assembly and Baking

• Stir torn fresh basil into sauce, then mix in the cooked ziti. Fold in 8 ounces of torn burrata and 1/2 cup Parmesan. If needed, move the mixture to a large oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly and top with another 8 ounces torn burrata and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges are golden and cheese bubbles. For extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes.
• Let cool about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and the last 8 ounces of burrata torn on top. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven. Use both sweet and hot sausage for balanced flavor. Tear burrata by hand and add some after baking for a fresh, creamy top. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to set. Use a large oven-safe skillet to save a transfer step.

Keyword Baked Ziti, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Pasta Bake, Sausage Dish