Baked Ziti Recipe

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

  • Quick Family Feast: A mouthwatering pasta dish that brings everyone together with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and cheese quantities to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds.
  • Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Create a professional-looking Italian dinner without complicated techniques, delivering restaurant-style results right from your kitchen.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with straightforward cooking steps that transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing main course.

Must-Have Ingredients for Traditional Baked Ziti

Main Ingredients:
  • Ziti Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that provides the perfect base for this hearty dish.
  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the baked ziti.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a vibrant, tangy sauce base for the entire dish.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth layer that adds richness and depth.
Cheese Topping:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Deliver a golden, melty, and deliciously cheesy crust on top of the casserole.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that adds authentic Italian flavor.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Sugar: Balance and round out the sauce's flavor.
Supporting Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the tomato sauce.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnishes that provide a fresh, bright finish.

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

  • Boil ziti 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring perfect al dente pasta.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize tomato acidity and create deeper, more balanced sauce flavor.
  • Select fresh Italian sausage with good fat content for richer, more robust meat taste and better overall dish texture.
  • Let cheese brown slightly under broiler for crispy, golden top without burning, watching closely to achieve perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation easier.

Baked Ziti Variations to Make it Your Own

  • Vegetarian Ziti: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ziti pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Baked Ziti Presentation for Special Gatherings

  • Family Feast Centerpiece: Serve this hearty baked ziti as a show-stopping main dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table, perfect for Sunday suppers or casual gatherings.
  • Comfort Plate Companion: Pair the ziti with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and add a fresh element to the meal.
  • Wine and Dine Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which harmonizes beautifully with the tomato sauce and sausage.
  • Leftover Magic: Store cooled baked ziti in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Best Way to Store Baked Ziti Slices

  • Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?

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.

  • Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.

  • How can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes. The recipe is naturally mild, and you can control heat levels by adjusting or removing the spicy components.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

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

Baked Ziti Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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
  • 45 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

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable Italian-inspired casserole.
  2. Create perfectly al dente ziti by boiling in salted water, removing 2-3 minutes before package instructions suggest. Drain and reserve.
  3. In a large pot, transform Italian sausage and diced onions into a golden, fragrant base, breaking meat into crumbly pieces.
  4. Introduce minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, letting the ingredients dance and release their vibrant flavors for one minute.
  5. 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.
  6. Gently fold the reserved ziti into the robust sauce, ensuring each pasta tube is generously coated.
  7. Transfer half the saucy pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, creating an inviting first layer.
  8. Dollop creamy ricotta cheese across the pasta, creating a rich, pillowy middle stratum.
  9. Crown the ricotta with remaining pasta mixture, maintaining distinct layers.
  10. Generously shower the top with grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella, promising a golden, crispy cheese blanket.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then activate the broiler, transforming the cheese into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
  12. 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

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.

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