If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal, this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a make-ahead dinner that delivers big on flavor, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role from adding richness and spice to delivering texture and that irresistible cheesy pull.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Choose sweet, mild, or hot depending on your spice preference to add robust flavor and meatiness.
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- 3 oz tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor in the sauce with a thick, rich base.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, bringing freshness and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend: A fragrant mix of herbs that brightens and rounds out the sauce.
- ½ cup water: Balances out the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: Short tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully and bakes up tender yet firm.
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water): Essential for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and delicate texture to the layers.
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or mozzarella + Parmesan mix): Boosts cheesy flavor inside the ricotta mixture.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and freshness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect for a golden, melty topping that turns delightfully bubbly in the oven.
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground Italian sausage until it develops a crispy edge and releases its flavorful fat. While it cooks, dice the yellow onion finely. Add the onion to the sausage once browned and continue sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent, building a savory foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Next, stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and half a cup of water into the skillet. Mix everything together well, then cover the pan with a lid and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook softly while you prepare the pasta, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce thick and rich.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti pasta. Cook the pasta until just tender, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain it in a colander. The pasta should be al dente since it will continue cooking inside the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the pasta and sauce cook, mix the ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and cracked black pepper in a bowl until smooth. This creamy mixture will add wonderful texture and flavor contrast within the layers.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot and stir in one cup of the savory red sauce to coat every piece with flavor. This step ensures the baked ziti won’t be dry.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the sauced pasta evenly. Add dollops of half the ricotta mixture across the top, followed by half the remaining red sauce combined with sausage. Repeat layering with the rest of the pasta, ricotta, and sauce. Finally, finish by sprinkling two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything for that irresistible cheese crust.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from sticking and bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese beneath the foil to melt beautifully.
Step 8: Broil and Serve
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the baked ziti for about 5 minutes until the mozzarella turns golden and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you like and serve hot straight from the oven.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a fresh herbal note and a vibrant splash of green that pairs beautifully with the rich red sauce and cheese. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan for an added savory punch.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty baked ziti with a simple leafy green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming dinner party presentation. You could also layer in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost while keeping the delicious essence of the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover baked ziti into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Before baking, assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, though the oven helps maintain that freshly baked texture and melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and holds sauce well, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes that also capture the sauce and cheese nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant in its place to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish if I use hot Italian sausage?
Using hot Italian sausage gives the baked ziti a mild to moderate kick of heat, but the cheese and tomato sauce help balance it out. Adjust to your spice tolerance or use mild sausage for a gentler flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce a day ahead?
Definitely! Making the sauce a day in advance allows flavors to deepen overnight and saves time when assembling the baked ziti.
What’s the best cheese blend to use inside the ricotta mixture?
Classic Italian blends that include mozzarella, Parmesan, and even provolone work beautifully. You can also mix mozzarella with freshly grated Parmesan for great flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is one of those timeless comfort dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, loaded with layers of flavor and that perfect gooey cheese pull we all adore. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a rich and savory sausage tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing baked pasta casserole with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- ½ tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Sauté Onions: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until it’s browned and crispy on the edges. While the sausage cooks, finely dice the onion. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup water with the sausage and onions. Place a lid on the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat and let it continue to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (½ tablespoon salt) to a boil over high heat. Add the ziti pasta and cook until tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian cheese blend, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC) during this time.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained ziti to the pot and stir in 1 cup of the prepared sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
- Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Spoon half of the remaining red sauce and sausage mixture on top. Repeat with the second half of pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce. Finally, top the assembled ziti with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Broil and Serve: Remove the foil and switch oven to broil. Broil the dish for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can choose mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage to adjust the spiciness level.
- Make sure to tent the foil so it doesn’t stick to the cheese during baking.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor in the cheese mixture.
- Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or vegetables.
