The Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe: Cheesy, Comforting Bliss
Comfort emerges in this hearty baked ziti that whispers memories of southern italian kitchens.
Pasta lovers recognize such classic dishes as pure warmth on a plate.
Creamy cheese melts between perfectly cooked noodles, creating layers of deliciousness.
Robust tomato sauce adds depth and richness to every single bite.
Simple ingredients dance together, promising a meal that feels like a culinary hug.
Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this straightforward yet spectacular recipe.
You can master this dish and impress everyone around your dinner table.
What Makes Baked Ziti a Comfort Classic
Must-Have Ingredients for Traditional Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients:Cheese Topping:Seasonings and Aromatics:Supporting Ingredients:How to Make Baked Ziti with Simple Steps
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Get your oven ready by heating it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will ensure a perfect baking environment for your ziti.
Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfectly
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the ziti slightly undercooked, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sizzle Sausage And Onions
In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage with chopped onions.
Let the meat develop a rich, golden color and the onions become translucent.
Step 4: Enhance With Aromatics
Toss in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Stir and cook for about a minute to release those amazing flavors.
Step 5: Create Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream.
Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Marry Pasta And Sauce
Gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated with the rich mixture.
Step 7: First Pasta Layer
Spread half of the saucy pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish, creating an even base.
Step 8: Add Creamy Ricotta
Dollop ricotta cheese over the first pasta layer, creating a luxurious middle section.
Step 9: Complete Pasta Layer
Top the ricotta with the remaining pasta mixture, keeping the layers distinct.
Step 10: Cheese Topping
Generously sprinkle grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
Step 11: Bake To Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Then switch to broil, watching carefully until the cheese turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 12: Final Fresh Touch
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Ziti Baking Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Layers
Baked Ziti Variations to Make it Your Own
Baked Ziti Presentation for Special Gatherings
Best Way to Store Baked Ziti Slices
FAQs
Ziti is traditional, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. The key is using a pasta shape with ridges that helps sauce cling better.
Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Simply omit the red pepper flakes. The recipe is naturally mild, and you can control heat levels by adjusting or removing the spicy components.
Yes! Baked ziti reheats wonderfully. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. It keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
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Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Comforting Italian-American classic Baked Ziti brings hearty pasta goodness straight to dinner tables with rich layers of cheese, marinara, and seasoned ground beef. Melted mozzarella and herbed ricotta create a creamy masterpiece that promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
Cheese and Cream Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for serving
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired casserole.
- Create perfectly al dente ziti by boiling in salted water, removing 2-3 minutes before package instructions suggest. Drain and reserve.
- In a large pot, transform Italian sausage and diced onions into a golden, fragrant base, breaking meat into crumbly pieces.
- Introduce minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, letting the ingredients dance and release their vibrant flavors for one minute.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, then swirl in luxurious heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Gently fold the reserved ziti into the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.
- Transfer half the saucy pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an inviting first layer.
- Dollop creamy ricotta cheese across the pasta, creating a rich, pillowy middle stratum.
- Crown the ricotta with remaining pasta mixture, maintaining distinct layers.
- Generously shower the top with grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella, promising a golden, crispy cheese blanket.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then activate the broiler, transforming the cheese into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
- Optional: Scatter fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finale.
Notes
- Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or selecting mild/spicy Italian sausage for personal preference.
- Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives like part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
- Make this dish vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for protein and depth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Nathaniel Brooks
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling
Education
Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.
Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.