Baked ziti is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that feels like a warm hug in pasta form, and this Baked Ziti Recipe takes things to the next level with its rich layers of melted cheese, savory sausage, and vibrant tomato sauce. It’s a classic Italian-American casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without stress. With every bite, you get a beautiful balance of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan, all mingling with tender pasta and a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce. Trust me, once you try this baked ziti, it will quickly become a weeknight staple you’ll reach for over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Baked Ziti Recipe truly shine. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s providing depth of flavor, creamy texture, or that irresistible golden bubbly cheese topping.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: The sturdy shape holds sauce and cheese beautifully, giving every bite loads of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and ensures the sausage cooks evenly without sticking.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed: Brings savory, spiced depth; choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Injects pungent, aromatic goodness that wakes up the sauce.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The base tomato flavor, rich and herb-infused, anchors the entire dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: Adds body and a fresh tomato tang for sauce complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings an herbal, sweet note that pairs perfectly with tomato.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter, giving depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat for those who like a little spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Silky and creamy, it lightens the texture and adds richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts to a perfect gooey layer, essential for that cheesy baked ziti charm.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it adds a knockout umami finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens the dish visually and adds herbal brightness.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the ziti until it’s just al dente. This part is crucial because the pasta will cook further in the oven and you don’t want it to get mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Browning it properly builds incredible flavor, so take your time. When the sausage is almost cooked through, add diced onions and cook until softened. Finally, stir in the garlic and cook just for a minute more, allowing those flavors to blossom without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, then season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Let your sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This step helps marry all the flavors into a rich, hearty sauce that hugs the pasta and cheese perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Pasta with Cheese and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Add about two cups of your sauce and gently mix everything together, making sure each noodle is generously coated and the cheeses are evenly distributed for that creamy, luscious texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Add the ziti mixture in an even layer, then top it with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover with foil, and pop it in the oven at 375°F. Bake covered for 20 minutes to let everything meld together, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor by allowing everything to meld. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the dish and add a little herbal note that contrasts delightfully with all the rich cheese. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little crushed red pepper or freshly grated Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides. Think a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread for sopping up sauce, or lightly sautéed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides provide a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual baked ziti portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Layer the ziti with extra cheese on top for an impressive crust. You can also experiment by adding a swirl of pesto or a dollop of fresh ricotta on each serving plate to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out. It’s perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. For best results, assemble the dish and freeze it covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to cook, bake it from frozen, adding a bit more time to ensure it heats through fully. After baking, leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the baked ziti with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but might lead to uneven heating or dryness, so oven reheating is definitely preferred to retain that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies to keep the dish full of flavor and texture while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What pasta can I use instead of ziti?
If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes since their tubular shape also holds sauce and cheese well, delivering the same satisfying bite.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on whether you use mild or hot Italian sausage and how much red pepper flakes you add. You can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by omitting or increasing the pepper flakes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! Making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen, making your baked ziti even tastier. Just store the sauce in the fridge and combine everything right before baking.
Is it necessary to rest the baked ziti before serving?
While you can dig in right away, resting the dish for 5 to 10 minutes helps the casserole set and makes serving neater and easier, plus it enhances the overall eating experience.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves a cozy, cheesy, and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and brings that classic Italian-American comfort food magic to your table every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with a savory Italian sausage tomato sauce and creamy cheeses, baked to bubbly golden perfection. It makes a hearty, comforting main dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining. Customize it by choosing sausage type or adding vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Then add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Mix Pasta with Cheese and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Add about 2 cups of the prepared sauce and mix everything well to evenly coat the pasta.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a layer of the remaining sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the pasta mixture on top, then spread the remaining sauce over it. Sprinkle the rest of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for the sausage or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage to adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking.
