# The Ultimate Ziti Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate Ziti Pasta Recipe

Discover the ultimate ziti pasta recipe, a timeless Italian-American classic. This dish brings together tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses for an unforgettable meal. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with incredible flavor, making it the perfect comfort food. Simple to assemble and bake, this baked ziti is ideal for cozy family dinners or feeding a crowd at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Ziti Pasta Recipe

You will adore this classic ziti pasta recipe for many reasons. First, its preparation is incredibly easy and straightforward, even for beginners. The ingredients are budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for any weeknight meal. For those looking to save, the U.S. government provides comprehensive advice on how to create tips for budget-friendly meal planning. This dish offers a satisfying and filling experience that everyone at the table will enjoy. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or another dinner later in the week. Best of all, this recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust it to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create this delicious ziti pasta recipe. You’ll start with one pound of ground Italian sausage, choosing mild or hot based on your preference. A finely diced yellow onion adds aromatic depth. Tomato paste provides concentrated flavor, while a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the rich sauce base. Season your sauce with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning blend and a half cup of water to thin it. For the pasta, you’ll need one pound of ziti, boiled with a half tablespoon of salt. The creamy layers come from 15 ounces of ricotta cheese and one cup of an Italian cheese blend, such as mozzarella and Parmesan. A quarter teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the cheese. Finally, two cups of shredded mozzarella create a golden, bubbly topping, with fresh parsley as an optional garnish.

Notes & Substitutions

• Sausage: Feel free to swap ground Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Onion: Enhance the aromatic base by sautéing the onion with minced garlic or diced bell peppers.
• Tomatoes: If crushed tomatoes aren’t available, use your favorite marinara sauce or diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste, or incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Ziti: Penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli pasta shapes work perfectly as substitutes for ziti.
• Cheese: Experiment with other creamy cheeses like cottage cheese, provolone, or fontina for the filling.
• Add-ins: Boost the nutrition and flavor by mixing in cooked spinach, shredded zucchini, or sliced mushrooms.

Equipment

Preparing this simple baked ziti requires just a few standard kitchen tools. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce. A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta. A 9×13 inch baking dish will hold your layered casserole. Have a mixing bowl ready for your cheese mixture. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. A colander helps drain the pasta efficiently. A spatula or wooden spoon assists with stirring, and aluminum foil is needed for baking.

Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect homemade ziti pasta recipe.

1. Brown Sausage: Begin by browning one pound of ground Italian sausage in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook until it’s nicely browned and crispy on the edges. If using pork sausage, you likely won’t need to add extra fat.
2. Sauté Onion: While the sausage browns, finely dice one yellow onion. Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to sauté over medium heat until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Simmer Sauce: Stir in three ounces of tomato paste, a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, one tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of water with the sausage and onions. Stir everything to combine well. Place a lid on the skillet and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to continue simmering gently while you prepare the ziti. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add ½ tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Once boiling, add one pound of ziti pasta and cook until it is tender yet still slightly firm (al dente), typically 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander, shaking it gently to remove excess water.
5. Prepare Cheese Mix: As the pasta and sauce cook, prepare your creamy cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, one cup of Italian cheese blend, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) now.
6. Coat Pasta: Return the drained ziti pasta to its original pot. Add one cup of the simmering red meat sauce to the pasta. Toss gently until all the ziti is evenly coated in the rich sauce. This step helps prevent your baked ziti from becoming dry.
7. Layer First: Pour half of the sauced ziti into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Next, dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Finally, spoon half of the remaining red meat sauce over the ricotta. It’s okay if these layers don’t completely cover everything; they will melt and spread during baking.
8. Layer Second: Repeat the layering process. Add the remaining half of the sauced ziti, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture in small dollops, and then the remaining red meat sauce.
9. Top with Mozzarella: Finish layering by generously sprinkling two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
10. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure to tent the foil slightly so it doesn’t touch the cheese layer, which could cause it to stick. Transfer the covered casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Broil Uncovered: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Turn your oven’s setting to broil. Place the casserole back into the oven, keeping it on the middle rack (about 10-12 inches from the broiler element). Broil for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly, golden brown, and slightly caramelized. Watch the dish closely during this step, as broilers vary in intensity and cheese can burn quickly.
12. Garnish & Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly browned, carefully 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 freshness. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving warm to allow the layers to set.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent Dry Ziti: Ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked before baking; it will finish cooking in the oven. Also, be generous with the sauce to keep the entire dish moist and flavorful.
• Flavor Boost: Do not skip the browning step for the Italian sausage. Caramelizing the meat adds incredible depth and savory flavor to the sauce for this ziti pasta recipe.
• Cheese Meltdown: Tenting the foil over the baking dish prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil as it melts, preserving your beautiful topping.
• Broiling Watch: Always monitor your baked ziti closely when broiling. Oven broilers can vary significantly in heat, and cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
• Budget Smart: Save money on this recipe by buying ingredients like pasta, crushed tomatoes, and cheese when they are on sale or in bulk.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire ziti pasta recipe a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This hearty baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• Serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover ziti pasta recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To ensure safety and quality, the USDA offers essential guidance on safe food handling practices for leftovers.
• Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Divide it into single-serving portions or larger family-sized amounts. Wrap well in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or bake larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding more baking time if reheating from frozen.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian ziti pasta recipe by omitting the Italian sausage. Instead, add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Spicy: If you love a kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also mix in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes with the tomato paste for an extra layer of heat.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by mixing in roasted vegetables directly into the sauce or layers. Good options include roasted zucchini, diced bell peppers, or fresh spinach (wilt it first).
• Different Cheeses: Get creative with your cheese selection. Experiment with layers of sharp Parmesan, mild provolone, or even smoked mozzarella for unique flavor profiles in your baked ziti.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use other pasta shapes for this baked ziti? Yes, absolutely! Penne or rigatoni are excellent tube-shaped alternatives that work wonderfully in this type of casserole.
• Can I make this ziti pasta recipe vegetarian? You certainly can. Simply swap the ground Italian sausage for lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight.
• How do I prevent my baked ziti from being dry? Ensure you slightly undercook your pasta and use a generous amount of sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful throughout baking.
• How should I freeze baked ziti? Freeze the baked ziti in individual portions within freezer-safe containers for convenient reheating whenever you need a quick meal.

Conclusion

Enjoy creating and savoring this incredibly comforting and easy baked ziti pasta recipe. This dish truly embodies the best of Italian-American cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a crowd-pleasing classic that is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a simple weeknight meal, a special gathering, or any occasion where delicious, hearty food is desired. This recipe will quickly become a cherished family favorite.