Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is pure comfort food with a big, bubbly personality. Imagine tender pasta nestled in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, forkfuls of creamy ricotta stirred in, and golden, sizzling cheese blanketing every bite. It’s the sort of dish that practically guarantees satisfied smiles around any table, especially since it’s so wonderfully easy to pull together. With just a few everyday ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, this is your weeknight hero—hearty, flavor-packed, and gloriously cheesy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a straightforward ingredient lineup, punctuated by a few must-haves:

• Ziti or Penne Pasta: Either works beautifully; they hold sauce and ricotta in every nook and cranny.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and keeping the pasta from sticking—choose extra-virgin for the richest flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Pork or turkey, spicy or mild—totally your call! The sausage adds major savory oomph.
• Marinara Sauce: Pick a good-quality jarred sauce or use homemade. This is the dish’s backbone.
• Ricotta Cheese: Go for whole milk ricotta—it brings unbeatable creaminess.
• Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, so it’s pillowy and doesn’t leak out.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible melted stretch; half gets mixed in, half goes on top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth; some gets stirred in, the rest crisps up on top.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t skip this if you have it! Bright, peppery notes make a huge difference.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to round out the flavor profile—easy and effective.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch for gentle heat; customize to taste.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward.
• Chopped Basil (For Garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when serving.

Tip: If you’re missing basil, parsley or oregano are great substitutes!

Variations

This recipe is as flexible as you want it to be—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. The pasta and cheese combo need little more.
• Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and part-skim cheeses. It’ll still be plenty satisfying.
• Spicy Twist: Choose hot Italian sausage and add extra pepper flakes for more heat.
• Pasta Swap: Rigatoni or fusilli work if you don’t have ziti or penne on hand.
• Sauce Switch-Up: Stir a spoonful of pesto into the marinara for a herby punch.

This dish really welcomes improvisation—use what you have and don’t stress!

How to Make Baked Ziti

Ready to get started? Here’s how you make delicious Baked Ziti without breaking a sweat:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta just to al dente. Drain thoroughly and drizzle with a little olive oil so it stays loose and glossy.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat for a lighter result.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, stir together ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, a generous scoop of parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you want heat, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. This mixture turns every bite dreamy and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, browned sausage, and the ricotta mixture. Stir gently so you don’t break the noodles—just enough to get everything evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella and parmesan—this is your golden crown.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is molten and richly golden brown, and the edges are bubbling excitedly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let your baked ziti sit for 5 minutes to firm up. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm—get ready for requests for seconds!

How to Serve

Baked Ziti is wonderful as the main event, but here are some ways to dress up your meal:

• Bread: A crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread is perfect for swiping up extra sauce.
• Salads: Simple arugula, Caesar, or a tangy Italian chopped salad provide freshness.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed greens, or even a medley of grilled veggies keep things balanced.

For a casual dinner, pile generously onto plates and let everyone dig in. For a fancier feel, sprinkle extra parmesan and black pepper just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cool leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cheese and sauce meld even more overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch may be even better!

Freezing

Baked Ziti is a dream to freeze. Cover tightly—either as a whole dish or in single portions—and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick dinner any time.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbling.

You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead—just cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both reliably straightforward and indulgently delicious, this Baked Ziti is as good as it gets. With its layers of bold Italian flavor, classic creamy-cheesy comfort, and versatile, make-ahead design, it’s your ticket to a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dinner any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, share it with friends or family, and watch it disappear—there’s real magic in every bite. Give it a try and savor how easy great food can be!

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