Welcome to a comforting classic: baked ziti! This beloved dish features cheesy layers, a savory red sauce, and hearty Italian sausage, creating a meal everyone will adore. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This simple and delicious ziti pasta recipe brings joy to your table with minimal fuss.
Understanding the origins of dishes like baked ziti can enrich your culinary experience, tracing back to its roots as an Italian-American culinary classic.
Why You’ll Love This Ziti Pasta Recipe
- Quick & Easy Assembly: Get this delicious pasta bake into the oven without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Hearty and Satisfying Comfort Food: Each bite delivers a warm, cheesy hug, perfect for any season.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this flavorful baked ziti.
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: Prepare it ahead of time for a convenient and stress-free dinner later in the week.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Create a delicious and filling meal using readily available and affordable components.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing baked ziti. This delightful ziti pasta recipe calls for robust flavors that come together effortlessly.
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 oz. tomato paste
- 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
- 1 lb. ziti
- ½ Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 15 oz. ricotta
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this baked ziti recipe to suit your preferences. Feel free to swap out the ziti pasta for other shapes like rigatoni or penne. If you don’t have an Italian cheese blend, Parmesan cheese or a mix of Romano and provolone works wonderfully. For a lighter touch, use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage. Boost your vegetable intake by adding fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious baked ziti.
- A large skillet or pot for cooking the sausage and sauce.
- A large pot for boiling the pasta.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish for layering and baking your ziti.
- A colander for draining the pasta.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect ziti pasta recipe. This guide makes baking simple, even for beginners.
First, brown the ground Italian sausage in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s fully browned and slightly crispy on the edges. There’s no need to add extra fat since Italian sausage releases its own. While the sausage cooks, finely dice the yellow onion. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent.
Next, add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning blend, and ½ cup water to the skillet with the sausage and onion. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients well. Place a lid on the skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it continue to cook gently while you prepare the pasta. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the sauce simmers, start the ziti pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, adding ½ tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti and cook until it’s tender, typically about 7-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will bake further in the oven. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, shaking it gently to remove any excess water.
While the pasta and sauce are cooking, prepare your creamy cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Italian cheese blend, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) at this stage.
After draining, return the cooked ziti to its pot. Add 1 cup of the prepared red sauce to the pasta and stir well to coat every piece evenly. This step helps ensure every bite of your baked ziti is flavorful.
Now, assemble your baked ziti in the 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the sauced ziti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta in small spoonfuls. Then, spoon half of the remaining red sauce and sausage mixture over the ricotta and pasta layers. Don’t worry if the layers aren’t perfectly solid; it will all melt together. Repeat these layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Finally, generously top the entire casserole with the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure to tent the foil slightly so it doesn’t touch the cheese. This prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil as it melts. Transfer the covered casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. Turn your oven to the broil setting. Keep the casserole on the middle rack, about 10-12 inches from the broiler element. Broil for about 5 minutes, or just until the mozzarella cheese is beautifully melted and lightly browned and bubbly. Watch it closely, as broiler intensities vary and cheese can brown quickly. Once golden, remove the baked ziti from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Smart shopping saves money; look for sales on ground sausage or pasta. To make ahead, assemble the entire ziti pasta recipe but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight and reheat. Adjust sauce consistency by adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Experiment with different Italian sausage varieties, like spicy or mild, to change the flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking pasta to an al dente texture, as recommended by culinary experts, offers several health and digestibility benefits. Never overcook the pasta before baking; aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. Ensure each layer of your baked ziti is properly seasoned for balanced flavor. When baking, tent the foil over the dish to prevent it from sticking to the melting mozzarella cheese.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ziti pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your delicious baked ziti with a crisp green side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Warm, crusty garlic bread is also an essential accompaniment for soaking up all the savory sauce. Consider serving roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Variations
For a vegetarian option, swap the Italian sausage for cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative in the sauce. Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella for unique flavors. Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying a hearty serving of this ziti pasta recipe provides satisfying nutrients.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Fat | 27g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best pasta for baked ziti?
While ziti is traditional, rigatoni or penne also work perfectly, as their tubular shapes hold the sauce and cheese well.
Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make baked ziti vegetarian?
Substitute the Italian sausage with cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative in the sauce.
Can baked ziti be frozen and reheated?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What sides pair well with baked ziti?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are excellent choices.
Conclusion
This easy baked ziti recipe is a testament to comforting, flavorful, and family-friendly meals. With its rich Italian sausage, creamy cheese layers, and savory red sauce, it’s a dish that truly satisfies. We encourage you to try this simple easy baked pasta recipe; it’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Enjoy the versatility and warmth it brings to your table!