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
Scale
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.
