If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is your new best friend. This classic Italian-American baked pasta dish combines rich, savory flavors from Italian sausage, a luscious tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses, all melded together in a bubbling casserole. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner that never fails to satisfy. Once you master this recipe, it’ll become a staple you turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures, each playing an essential role in making this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe deliciously unforgettable. From the spicy sausage to the melty cheeses, every component is a building block to pasta perfection.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot): Choose your preferred heat level to customize the flavor profile.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce once sautéed.
- 3 oz tomato paste: Concentrates the rich tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce, providing vibrant color and natural tang.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings an authentic Italian touch.
- ½ cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency for perfect coating of the pasta.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: The classic tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Enhances the pasta’s flavor while it cooks.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, luscious filling to contrast the ziti’s bite.
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or mozzarella and Parmesan): Adds complexity and richness to the cheese mixture.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: A subtle spice kick in the cheese filling.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden, gooey perfection on top.
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Freshens the final dish with a burst of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onions
Start by heating a large skillet or pot over medium heat and browning the Italian sausage until it’s beautifully caramelized and just a little crispy at the edges. While the sausage cooks, finely dice your yellow onion. Add the onions once the sausage has browned and continue cooking until the onions soften and become translucent. This combo creates a flavorful foundation for your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
To the skillet with your sausage and onions, stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and half a cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat down low and let the sauce cook slowly. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors while you start boiling the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil with half a tablespoon of salt. Add the ziti pasta and cook until tender but still firm, around 7 to 8 minutes. Then drain your pasta well in a colander to prepare for mixing with the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the pasta and sauce are cooking, mix together ricotta cheese, the Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. This creamy filling will add a luscious, tangy contrast to the savory sauce and pasta layers. Preheat your oven to 350ºF so it’s ready for baking after assembly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained ziti to the pot and stir in 1 cup of the red sauce. This ensures every bite of pasta is wrapped in rich flavor before layering into the casserole dish.
Step 6: Layer Ingredients
Grab a 9×13″ baking dish and start by spreading half of the sauced pasta evenly across the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese filling over the pasta in several spots, then spoon half of the remaining sauce and sausage mixture on top. Repeat these layers with the second half of the pasta, ricotta, and sauce. Finish by evenly sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese to create an irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil, tenting it slightly so the foil doesn’t stick to the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
Step 8: Broil and Serve
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the ziti for about 5 minutes, just until the mozzarella on top turns golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, then serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a dash of brightness and color that complements the Rich cheesy ziti beautifully. A grating of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving can add an extra layer of savory depth.
Side Dishes
Serving Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with a simple green salad lightly dressed in vinaigrette balances its richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm loaf of Italian bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce leftover on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this classic casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It’s perfect for dinner parties or family style meals and makes each serving feel extra special. You can also add a layer of roasted vegetables or swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftover baked ziti tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole either fully assembled or after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350ºF until heated through, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying. The cheese will melt back to gooey perfection in just a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta besides ziti?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work great in this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe as they also hold the sauce well and provide that perfect bite.
Is Italian sausage necessary, or can I substitute another meat?
You can substitute ground beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. Just remember that Italian sausage adds a distinctive flavor and spice, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Sweet or mild sausage will keep it mild, while hot sausage adds a nice kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a star when you want something both comforting and crowd-pleasing without spending all day in the kitchen. Its layers of flavors and satisfying textures are sure to win hearts around the dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll find it impossible not to make this delicious baked pasta a beloved part of your meal rotation!
Print
Easy 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 easy baked ziti recipe features layers of savory Italian sausage, hearty pasta, rich ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella baked to golden perfection. A comforting Italian-American classic, this dish is straightforward to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
For the Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and brown the Italian sausage until crispy on the edges. Add finely diced onion once the sausage has browned, and sauté until onions are soft and translucent.
- Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup water into the skillet. Cover and bring to a simmer; reduce heat and let simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti for 7-8 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return cooked ziti to the pot and stir in 1 cup of the red sauce to coat the pasta.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13” baking dish, layer half the ziti, dollops of half the ricotta mixture, and half the sausage sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta, and sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil, tenting it slightly, and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Broil and Serve: Remove foil, switch oven to broil, and broil the ziti for 5 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
- Make sure to tent the foil to prevent it from sticking to the cheese while baking.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
