This Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting classic that brings together creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella in every bite. Perfectly al dente pasta is layered with rich flavors, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. With just 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, it’s an easy yet impressive meal that’s ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
The golden, bubbly cheese crust gives way to a luscious, saucy interior that’s packed with savory Italian sausage and aromatic herbs. Each forkful delivers a delightful mix of textures, from the tender pasta to the creamy cheese blend. Serve this crowd-pleaser to bring warmth and joy to your table, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
- 1 lb (455 g) Ziti or Penne noodles (cook al dente)
- 2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 5 cloves minced garlic (about 1 heaping Tablespoon)
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 lb (455 g) Italian sausage (Sweet Italian or Mild)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 28 oz (680 g) tomato sauce
- 14 oz (400 g) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil (loosely packed)
- 1 heaping cup (280 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup (60 g) grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. Set aside.
- Cook pasta: Prepare the Ziti or Penne noodles according to package instructions, cooking until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Cook sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pan, crumbling it as it cooks. Once mostly browned, stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned.
- Simmer sauce: Add the tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and sugar to the sausage mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Assemble the dish: Spread a small amount of sauce (a few spoonfuls) on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles over the sauce, breaking apart any clumps if needed. Top with half of the remaining sauce, spreading it evenly. Dollop the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then add the remaining noodles and sauce.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Lightly spray a piece of foil with cooking spray and cover the dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This baked ziti is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Don’t forget a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine to complement the rich flavors!
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
Baked ziti is a great make-ahead meal! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Customize It: Recipe Variations
Switch up the flavors by using ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage. For a vegetarian twist, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Prefer a creamier texture? Mix a beaten egg into the ricotta before layering. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist!
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To save time, use pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded cheese. You can also prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. If you’re in a rush, skip the baking step and simply toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and cheese for a quick stovetop version.
Essential Equipment for Baked Ziti Success
You’ll need a 9×13 casserole dish for baking and a large saucepan for the sauce. A colander is essential for draining the pasta, and a wooden spoon works perfectly for stirring the sauce. Don’t forget a sharp knife for chopping the onion and basil!
Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti or Penne noodles 455 g
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 5 cloves minced garlic 1 heaping Tablespoon
- 1 onion finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 lb Italian sausage I’ve used Sweet Italian and Mild
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 28 oz tomato sauce 680 g
- 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes undrained, 400 g
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil loosely packed
- 1 heaping cup ricotta cheese 280 g
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese 170 g
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese 60 g
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish. Set aside.
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, cook al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and mix with two teaspoons of olive oil.
- Meanwhile, prepare your sauce. Heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add onion and cook until translucent (3-5 minutes). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add Italian sausage and cook, crumbling, until mostly browned. Once sausage is mostly browned, add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking until sausage is entirely browned.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in basil.
- Spread a small amount of pasta sauce (several spoonfuls, see image in the post or video for visual) on the bottom of prepared casserole dish.
- Layer the sauce with half of the noodles (if some have stuck together while sitting, they should be easy to break apart with your hands). Top with half of the remaining sauce and use a spoon to spread evenly over noodles.
- Dollop ricotta evenly over sauce. Top evenly with remaining noodles and then remaining sauce.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan. Spray a piece of foil lightly with cooking spray, cover ziti and bake for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook another 5-10 minutes or until bubbly.
- Serve warm & enjoy!