Welcome to the ultimate guide for a classic ziti pasta recipe! Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
To understand the culinary traditions that shaped this dish, explore the history of Italian-American cuisine.
Imagine layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and rich, melted cheese. This hearty dish comes together easily, offering a delicious solution for any family meal. You’ll love preparing this satisfying, cheesy baked ziti.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- This recipe is quick and simple, offering a delicious alternative to more complex dishes like lasagna.
- It provides hearty, satisfying comfort food that truly hits the spot, especially after a long day.
- The ingredients are economical and stretch far, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
- It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust it for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.
- Baked ziti is excellent for meal prep and freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready.
Ingredients
Creating this amazing baked ziti pasta dish starts with fresh, quality ingredients. We’ve listed everything you need below, along with estimated costs to help you budget. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this one of our favorite ziti pasta recipes.
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot) ($4.99)
- 1 yellow onion ($0.27)
- 3 oz. tomato paste ($0.50)
- 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes ($1.89)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning blend ($0.30)
- 1/2 cup water ($0.00)
- 1 lb. ziti ($1.67)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pasta water) ($0.05)
- 15 oz. ricotta ($3.39)
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend* ($1.24)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.05)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella ($2.29)
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) ($0.20)
Estimated total cost: $16.84
Notes & Substitutions
We love using ground Italian sausage for its rich flavor, but feel free to choose mild, sweet, or hot varieties based on your preference. Ground beef or turkey also work well if you prefer different proteins for your baked ziti. If ziti pasta is unavailable, rigatoni or penne are excellent tubular pasta alternatives that hold sauce beautifully. For the cheese filling, a pre-shredded Italian blend simplifies things, but you can also grate your own blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Fresh parsley or basil adds a vibrant finish and brightens the flavors significantly.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy baked ziti. Gather these basic kitchen essentials to prepare your delicious meal efficiently.
- Large skillet or pot (for sauce)
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect baked ziti every time. This straightforward ziti pasta recipe makes cooking enjoyable and results in a truly comforting meal. Pay close attention to the details to ensure each layer contributes to the ultimate flavor.
- Brown Sausage & Onion: First, brown the ground Italian sausage in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Continue cooking until the sausage is nicely browned and crispy on the edges. Pork sausage typically releases enough fat, so you likely won’t need to add extra oil. While the sausage cooks, finely dice the yellow onion. Once the sausage finishes browning, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to sauté the mixture over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Next, add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning blend, and ½ cup of water to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly. Place a lid on the skillet and allow the mixture to come up to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce continue to cook while you prepare the ziti. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Ziti: After starting the sauce, begin cooking your ziti pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add ½ tablespoon of salt to the water. Once boiling vigorously, add the 1 pound of ziti pasta. Let the pasta cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente), typically about 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain the cooked pasta in a colander, shaking it gently to remove any excess water.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: While the pasta and sauce are cooking, prepare the creamy cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of Italian cheese blend, and about ¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper (roughly 10 cranks of a pepper mill). Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. At this point, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Once the ziti pasta is drained, return it to its original pot. Add 1 cup of the simmering red sauce directly to the cooked pasta. Toss the ziti with the sauce until all the pasta pieces are evenly coated. This step ensures every bite of your baked ziti has a wonderful base flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Now, begin assembling your baked ziti in the preheated 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the sauce-coated ziti pasta into the bottom of the dish, spreading it into an even layer. Next, add half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta, placing small dollops evenly across the surface. Finally, spoon half of the remaining red sauce and sausage mixture over the pasta and ricotta. Don’t worry if the ingredients don’t form perfect, solid layers; the flavors will meld beautifully. Repeat these layers with the second half of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella: For the grand finale, generously top the assembled layers with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface of the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure to tent the foil slightly so it doesn’t stick to the melting cheese during baking. Transfer the covered casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the internal components to heat through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Broil Uncovered: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Turn your oven to the broil setting. Keep the casserole on the middle rack, approximately 10-12 inches away from the broiler element. Broil for about 5 minutes, or just until the mozzarella cheese becomes golden brown and wonderfully bubbly. It’s crucial to keep a very close eye on the baked ziti during broiling, as broiler intensities vary and cheese can burn quickly.
- Garnish & Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly browned, remove the baked ziti from the oven. If desired, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve hot and enjoy this incredible ziti pasta recipe!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
To maximize flavor and get the most out of your budget, always brown your sausage well to develop deep, savory notes. You can prepare most of this baked ziti ahead of time for easy meal prep. For a saucier dish, consider adding an extra half-can of crushed tomatoes or a bit more water to your sauce. Prevent dry baked ziti by ensuring enough sauce coats the pasta before baking and by covering it during the initial bake. Customize your baked ziti with different proteins, like ground beef or a mix of sausage and beef, for varied flavors.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ziti pasta dish is perfect for many occasions. Pair it with simple sides, store leftovers efficiently, and even explore fun variations to keep things exciting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting baked ziti with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. You might also consider roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Freezing
Always allow your baked ziti to cool completely before storing it.
For detailed guidelines on food safety and storing cooked dishes, consult the USDA’s recommendations for leftovers.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. Frozen baked ziti retains its quality for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the oven or microwave until hot.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your baked ziti! Add fresh vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor. Experiment with different ground meats such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also create a delicious vegetarian baked ziti by omitting the sausage and adding sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or extra vegetables to the sauce.
Nutrition
Enjoying a serving of this hearty baked ziti pasta means savoring a balanced, satisfying meal. This recipe yields 8 servings, providing a good source of protein and carbohydrates to fuel your day.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Sodium | 1020mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about making this fantastic baked ziti. We want to ensure you feel confident preparing this classic dish.
- Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the covered bake time.
- What kind of pasta can I use if I don’t have ziti? Rigatoni, penne, or even cavatappi are great substitutes. They all have a tubular shape that holds the sauce and cheese wonderfully in baked ziti pasta recipes.
- How do I freeze baked ziti? Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe pan, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. You can also bake, cool, then freeze individual portions.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the tomato sauce for a delicious meat-free version.
- Is homemade sauce necessary for baked ziti? While homemade sauce is delicious, using a good quality store-bought marinara or crushed tomatoes simplifies the process without sacrificing much flavor.
Conclusion
This ultimate baked ziti is truly a cornerstone comfort food, offering layers of rich flavor and creamy goodness in every bite. It is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. By following our easy steps, you’ll master this delicious ziti pasta recipe and create a meal everyone will adore. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying, cheesy dish that will quickly become a family favorite!