Baked Ziti Recipe: A Cozy Italian Classic for Beginners

There’s something magical about the rich, cheesy layers of a freshly baked ziti. This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something comforting on a cozy night in. The blend of pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. This baked ziti recipe brings together simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. Let’s dive into making this easy yet delicious dish that’s bound to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’re going to adore this baked ziti recipe:

1. Taste: It’s the ultimate combination of savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted mozzarella and ricotta cheeses.
2. Ease: This dish requires minimal prep and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
3. Versatility: You can customize it by adding extra veggies, meat, or even making it vegetarian.
4. Affordability: It’s budget-friendly, offering a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

The Story Behind Baked Ziti

Baked ziti has deep roots in Italian-American cuisine. Here are a few fun facts:

• Origins: This pasta bake traces back to Southern Italy, where families layered pasta with local cheeses.
• Name Game: “Ziti” refers to the tube-shaped pasta, perfect for holding sauce.
• Cultural Star: It’s a staple at Italian-American gatherings, from weddings to Sunday dinners.
• Modern Twist: Today, baked ziti adapts to countless variations, like veggie or meaty versions. This dish’s history makes it a timeless favorite for cozy meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian ground sausage
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for topping)

How to Make Baked Ziti

1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Sausage: In a large deep skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess grease.
4. Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Bring to a low boil and cook 3–5 minutes until heated through.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Turn off the heat. Stir cooked ziti into the sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. Assemble the Dish: Pour half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over it. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and the top is slightly browned.
8. Finish and Serve: Let baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve.

Baked Ziti Hacks and Fun Variations

Master baked ziti with these tips: Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor. Don’t overcook pasta; al dente prevents mushiness. Spread cheese evenly for consistent creaminess. Double the sauce for extra juiciness. Bake uncovered for a crispy top. Try these twists:

• Veggie Delight: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Swap sausage for spicy chorizo or add more red pepper flakes.
• White Ziti: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy spin. These tweaks make your pasta bake uniquely yours!

Storing, Reheating, and Prepping Baked Ziti

• Storage: Cool baked ziti completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen ziti overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20 minutes. For single portions, microwave on medium for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 2 days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes if cold. This Italian casserole is perfect for planning ahead or feeding a crowd!

Pairings to Elevate Your Baked Ziti

Serve baked ziti with sides that complement its hearty flavors. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Garlic bread, like our Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread, soaks up the sauce. Roasted veggies, such as Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, add color and crunch. For drinks, try iced tea or a light red wine like Chianti. Present it in a rustic baking dish for that homey Italian vibe. These pairings make your meal unforgettable.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta? Yes, rigatoni or penne work great; choose tube-shaped pasta to hold sauce.
Is baked ziti gluten-free? Not traditionally, but swap ziti for gluten-free pasta and check sauce ingredients.
Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely, skip meat and add veggies like eggplant or bell peppers.
How do I prevent dry ziti? Use plenty of sauce and cover with foil for the first half of baking.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

Conclusion

You’ve just crafted a baked ziti that’s sure to become a family favorite! This cheesy, saucy pasta bake is simple enough for weeknights yet special for gatherings. The golden mozzarella crust and rich marinara will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen becomes the go-to spot for comfort food. Grab a fork, dig in, and savor the joy of homemade Italian goodness. Want more cozy recipes? Keep reading for dishes to pair with your ziti masterpiece!

Print

Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is perfect for beginners, delivering cheesy, saucy comfort in every bite. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing Italian casserole that’s ideal for family dinners or potlucks. Ready to enjoy a warm, hearty meal? Dive into this foolproof dish!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword baked ziti, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, Italian casserole, pasta bake

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian ground sausage
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 15 oz (3 cans) each crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Cook ziti in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
• Brown sausage in a deep skillet over medium-high heat; drain grease.
• Add garlic, cook 1 minute, then stir in tomatoes, seasoning, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
• Mix cooked ziti with sauce. Pour half into the dish, dollop with ricotta, then add remaining ziti.
• Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake baked ziti uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
• Let rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with basil, and serve.

Notes

For perfect baked ziti, don’t overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Try a vegetarian variation by swapping sausage for diced zucchini and mushrooms for a lighter twist.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 980mg

Explore More Cozy Recipes

Love baked ziti? Try these recipes to round out your menu. Our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is another cheesy pasta hit, perfect for Italian nights. For a quick side, whip up Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits to sop up sauce. Craving dessert? The Strawberry Shortcake adds a sweet finish. Visit Abby’s Recipes for more beginner-friendly ideas to keep your kitchen buzzing!