The Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Pasta lovers adore this classic baked ziti that promises comfort in every cheesy, savory bite.

Layers of tender noodles blend perfectly with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother.

Generous portions ensure everyone at the table leaves happy and full.

Mediterranean herbs sprinkled throughout add depth and complexity to this traditional dish.

Simple preparation means you can have dinner ready quickly without complicated techniques.

Nothing beats the joy of sharing this delectable ziti with people you love.

How To Store Cheesy Baked Ziti Fresh

• Store leftover ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 3 months.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place ziti in oven-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any short tubular pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for protein.

• How can I prevent the pasta from being too dry?

Ensure sauce completely covers pasta and don’t overcook pasta during initial boiling. The cream in the sauce helps maintain moisture.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Baked Ziti For Weeknight Pasta Feasts

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this mouthwatering ziti with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with hearty sausage, rich cheeses, and a perfect blend of seasonings, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Versatile Meal Option: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this cheesy baked ziti adapts easily to different occasions and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• One-Dish Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with this all-in-one recipe that combines pasta, sauce, and multiple cheeses in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

All Ingredients Needed For Cheesy Baked Ziti Night

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce perfectly and creates a hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the ziti.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy, smooth texture and subtle richness to the layered pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy cheese topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty depth of flavor to the dish.

• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates the classic red sauce base with tangy and sweet notes.
• Garlic, Onion: Provides aromatic foundation and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the tomato sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Sugar: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

• Dried Herbs, Seasonings: Add complexity and traditional Italian-style seasoning to the dish.

Steps For Perfectly Cheesy Baked Ziti At Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Position the rack in the top third of the oven and heat to 375°F.

This ensures even cooking and helps create that perfect golden top.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Cook ziti until it’s slightly firmer than usual – about 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Create The Flavorful Sauce

Brown the sausage with diced onions in a large skillet.

• Minced garlic
• Italian herbs
• Crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• A touch of sugar

Simmer the sauce until it thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 4: Build The Layers

Gently mix the cooked pasta with most of the sauce.

In a baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture.

Dot with soft ricotta cheese, then cover with remaining pasta.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Grated parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes to create a bubbly, golden-brown cheese crust.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips For The Best Cheesy Baked Ziti Texture

• Stop cooking ziti 2-3 minutes before package instructions to prevent mushiness during final baking process.
• Add a pinch of sugar to tomato sauce to neutralize acidity and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Distribute ricotta dollops evenly between pasta layers to ensure creamy consistency in every bite.
• Select fresh mozzarella and authentic parmesan for richer, more authentic Italian taste and melting performance.
• Watch cheese closely during final browning to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown crust.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Twists For Pasta Lovers

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that still delivers rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ziti for gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, keeping the cheesy, saucy essence while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap some tomato sauce for salsa, and include pepper jack cheese to give the dish a zesty, southwestern kick.

Ways To Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti With Style

• Family Feast Night: Serve this ziti as the star of a cozy family dinner with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this cheesy dish to gatherings where everyone will love its hearty, comforting flavors and easy-to-serve style.
• Italian Dinner Party: Pair with a light red wine, antipasto platter, and finish with tiramisu for an authentic Italian-inspired meal experience.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or reheat for a delicious next-day meal that tastes even better.

Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-American classic ziti pasta brings comfort and joy to dinner tables across the nation. Melted cheese, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces (227 grams) ricotta cheese

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1 (28 ounce/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Position oven rack in top third and preheat to 375°F for optimal heat distribution.
2. Cook ziti in generously salted water until just shy of package instructions, approximately 2-3 minutes less. Drain thoroughly to prevent waterlogging.
3. In a large skillet, brown sausage and onions until caramelized. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic seasonings, then introduce crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance flavors.
4. Thoroughly combine pasta with prepared sauce, ensuring even coating. Transfer half the mixture into a baking dish, strategically place dollops of ricotta across the surface, then cover with remaining pasta mixture.
5. Generously sprinkle a blend of grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the entire casserole, creating a comprehensive cheese layer.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbling. Finish under broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping with enticing browning.

Notes

• Cook pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
• Use hot Italian sausage for extra flavor kick or swap with ground turkey for lighter protein option.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid watery sauce and maintain rich, creamy consistency.
• Let dish rest 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 684 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg