Italian-American comfort food reaches a new level of warmth and satisfaction with a classic baked ziti. This dish brings together perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauces, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, this baked ziti will deliver on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the first scoop to the last bite, this dish embodies the essence of hearty Italian cooking you can recreate in your own kitchen.
Why We Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
You will love this baked ziti because it balances flavors and textures beautifully. The pasta is tender yet firm, providing the perfect base for the rich tomato sauce infused with Italian sausage. The combination of shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, gooey layer that melts and browns beautifully in the oven. Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of cheesy creaminess and savory meatiness, making it a comfort food favorite for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious baked ziti at home. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor, creating a dish that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying from the first bite to the last.
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or homemade
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, for serving
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
How to Make Baked Ziti
Making baked ziti is a rewarding process that combines simple techniques to create a dish that feels indulgent and homey. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and placing a rack in the center position. Boil a large pot of water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and cook the ziti until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage, diced onion, and garlic, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are softened. Make sure to break up the sausage as it cooks to ensure an even texture throughout the dish. Drain any excess fat carefully to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Combine thoroughly and let the flavors meld together. Then, fold in the cooked ziti and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the rich sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Lay the fresh mozzarella slices over the top and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the pasta to become tender and the cheese to melt into the sauce. Remove the foil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This final step ensures a golden, bubbling cheese topping that’s both visually appealing and full of flavor.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest briefly before serving. Sprinkle with red chili flakes for a hint of spice and fresh basil for a pop of color and fragrance.
How to Serve Baked Ziti
Serving baked ziti is all about presenting it in a way that highlights its cheesy, hearty appeal. Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring each serving includes both pasta and melted cheese. You can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. For gatherings, consider keeping it in the baking dish on a heated tray so guests can help themselves while the cheese remains perfectly gooey. Garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a touch of chili flakes elevates both flavor and presentation.
Expert Tips for Baked Ziti
To get the best results from your baked ziti, focus on a few key techniques. First, cook your pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce. Second, balance the cheese layers carefully. Using a combination of shredded and fresh mozzarella gives you that signature melty interior and slightly crisp top layer. Third, don’t skip the heavy cream—it adds a luscious richness that prevents the sauce from drying out while baking. You can also experiment with spices like a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of garlic powder to customize the flavor. Finally, let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Store Baked Ziti
Baked ziti keeps very well and can be prepared ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave-safe portion for a quick meal. You can also freeze baked ziti for up to three months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Proper storage preserves both the texture of the pasta and the creaminess of the cheese.
Variations of Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a versatile dish that you can adjust to suit your taste. Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also try mixing different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, for unique flavor profiles. Adding extra spices like smoked paprika or a touch of nutmeg can give a subtle depth, while incorporating fresh spinach or kale adds a nutritional boost without compromising taste. No matter the variation, the core elements of creamy cheese, rich sauce, and tender pasta remain, ensuring each version is satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Ziti
What is the best pasta to use for baked ziti?
Ziti is the traditional choice due to its tube shape, which holds sauce well. You can also use penne or rigatoni as substitutes if needed.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I make baked ziti spicier?
Add extra red chili flakes, crushed red pepper, or spicy Italian sausage to introduce heat without overwhelming the dish.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How do I get the cheese on top golden and bubbly?
Bake covered initially to melt the cheese, then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for a few minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top layer.
Is it possible to make baked ziti vegetarian?
Yes, replace the sausage with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. Use vegetable sauce instead of meat sauce for full flavor.
Baked Ziti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Dutch oven or stockpot
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage ground
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce or homemade
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for serving
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center position.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage, diced onion, and garlic, cooking until browned and softened.
- Drain any excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Combine thoroughly.
- Fold in the cooked ziti and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Lay fresh mozzarella slices over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest briefly, then serve with red chili flakes and fresh basil on top.
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