If you have been searching for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner option, this Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, cheesy, and layered with a savory tomato and sausage sauce, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. From perfectly cooked ziti pasta to a creamy ricotta and mozzarella blend, every element works together to create an irresistible Italian-American classic that’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of essential ingredients come together to make such a flavorful and satisfying meal. Each component plays a crucial part—whether it’s the hearty ziti pasta that holds the sauce beautifully or the blend of cheeses that melt into a luscious topping.
- Ziti pasta (1 pound): Choose a sturdy tubular pasta like ziti that traps sauce in every bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the sausage evenly.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1 pound): Provides a savory and slightly spiced base; ground beef works well too.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Softens and sweetens the sauce foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds aromatic depth and warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Forms the hearty tomato sauce body.
- Tomato sauce (15-ounce can): Balances the texture and flavor of the sauce.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Classic herb that enhances the Italian flavor profile.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Gives an earthy, slightly bitter note to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy richness inside the layers.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta mixture and helps it set perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts wonderfully to create gooey, golden topping and filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup, divided): Provides sharp, nutty flavor to the cheese blend and topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Freshens and brightens the finished dish with color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until it is al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Draining the pasta just right is key because you want it tender but still able to hold its shape once baked. Set it aside so it’s ready to be layered with sauce and cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the sausage thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon so there are no large chunks. Then toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, giving it a minute to release its aroma before pouring in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Let this simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to develop a robust, savory sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, and a quarter cup of Parmesan in a small bowl. This mixture will layer beautifully inside the ziti and create pockets of creamy indulgence throughout your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking. Add half of the cooked ziti, dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then spread a generous layer of sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden. After removing from the oven, let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes—this helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds a pop of green color and a mild herbaceous brightness that complements the rich flavors of the baked ziti beautifully. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat right at the table.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked ziti with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to bring freshness and cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, present the baked ziti straight out of the casserole dish and let everyone scoop their own portions. Alternatively, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins topped with a basil leaf to make it feel extra special for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheated, it’s just as comforting and delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This baked ziti recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 20-25 minutes for refrigerated leftovers or 45 minutes if thawing from frozen. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings but cover them to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make this Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and either add more vegetables like sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, or increase the amount of cheese for extra richness. The flavor will still be hearty and satisfying.
What type of pasta can I use if I can’t find ziti?
Penne or rigatoni are perfect substitutes since their hollow shapes also hold the sauce well. Avoid pasta shapes that are too small or flat since they won’t capture the sauce and cheese as nicely.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Be sure to cook your pasta just until al dente according to package instructions. Slightly undercooking it before baking ensures it finishes perfectly in the oven without turning mushy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire baked ziti the day before and refrigerate it covered. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the dish, you can use turkey sausage or lean ground beef, reduce the cheese amounts slightly, and incorporate more vegetables. Using part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta also cuts down on fat while keeping the delicious texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something so soul-satisfying about this Baked Ziti Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort food anytime you crave cheesy, saucy pasta perfection. It’s straightforward to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight classic.
Print
Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta baked with a savory Italian sausage and rich tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for the ultimate comforting casserole. Perfect for family dinners or easy entertaining, it delivers hearty Italian-American flavors with a cheesy, bubbly top and a golden finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat & Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), or ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add tomato and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then spoon half of the remaining sauce on top. Repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
- Add final cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly over the assembled layers.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a meatless version, omit the sausage and substitute with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
- You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it assembled, and bake just before serving.
