Baked Ziti

I’ve always believed that comfort food can bring people together, and nothing does that quite like Baked Ziti. Growing up, this was a staple at family gatherings, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sauce would fill the air and draw everyone to the table. I remember one particular evening when my aunt prepared it for a family reunion. The laughter, chatter, and the clinking of plates created a warm atmosphere that made the delicious dish even more memorable. Each bite, layered with cheesy goodness and rich flavors, made us all feel at home, and I couldn’t help but ask for seconds! Now, I want to share my version of this classic dish that’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a cozy night in.

What to Gather for Baked Ziti

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Baked Ziti. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect, comforting dish. The combination of fresh herbs, quality cheeses, and rich tomato sauce will elevate your meal to new heights. Let’s take a closer look at these essential ingredients that work harmoniously together to make this recipe unforgettable.

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it flavorful from the start.
• 1 pound sweet Italian ground sausage: This gives the dish a hearty texture and a hint of sweetness.
• 1 yellow onion, chopped: A classic aromatic that adds sweetness and depth.
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced: For that beloved savory punch!
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds a deeper color to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and warmth.
• 128-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, with purée: The base of our sauce; these tomatoes are sweet and rich.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an aromatic herb flavor that complements the dish.
• 2 sprigs fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, plus more for garnish: Fresh basil adds brightness and a lovely aroma.
• 16 ounces ziti pasta, or other tubular pasta: The star of the dish that holds all the delicious sauce and cheeses.
• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, it adds a lovely texture.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty flavor and a slight salty kick.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: The gooey, melty topping that holds it all together.

Recipe Directions for Baked Ziti

Making Baked Ziti is not only straightforward, but it also allows you to enjoy the process of cooking. Follow these steps to create a delightful dish your family and friends will love. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is an important first step to ensure your Baked Ziti comes out perfectly baked and bubbly. Lightly oil a 9 X 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, add the sweet Italian ground sausage. Cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. To the same saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as the aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the rest of the dish. Next, stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Now, it’s time to add the main component of our sauce: the whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes. Use your fingers to break them into smaller chunks directly into the pot. Add the tomatoes along with their purée, dried oregano, and the reserved sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer until thickened, which should take about 20 minutes.
5. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ziti and stir occasionally until the water returns to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. The ziti should still be firm as it will finish cooking in the oven. After draining, remember not to rinse the pasta; you want to keep that starch!
6. Once the pasta is cooked, add the ziti and ricotta cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined. This step ensures that each piece of pasta is coated with that delectable sauce.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Now, sprinkle half of the mozzarella or provolone cheese over the top. This layer of cheese is where the magic starts!
8. Next, top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the mozzarella or provolone cheese. The more cheese, the better!
9. Finally, bake your Baked Ziti in the preheated oven until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. The smell will be incredible! Once it’s done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld.

Things Worth Knowing

Recipe Variations about Baked Ziti

There are so many ways to put a spin on Baked Ziti! Here are some delightful variations to inspire your cooking.

• Make it vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty while catering to vegetarian tastes.
• Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses. Try adding goat cheese for a tangy flavor or some cheddar for a sharp twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
• Herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce.
• Baked Ziti with meatballs: For an added treat, incorporate homemade meatballs into your Baked Ziti for a more substantial meal.

Best Served With

Pairing your Baked Ziti with the right accompaniments can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside this comforting dish:

• Garlic bread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
• Salad: Serve it with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Baked Ziti.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a nutritious touch and a burst of colors to your plate.
• Wine: Consider offering a nice non-alcoholic drink, like sparkling water with a lemon wedge, to cleanse the palate.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even a cozy date night in.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti is a heartwarming dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Its creamy textures and rich tomato sauce create the perfect meal for any gathering or cozy night at home. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones—you’ll create new memories that revolve around good food and great company.

Baked Ziti

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Ziti combines rich flavors and creamy textures in an easy weeknight dinner. With layers of pasta, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Give it a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Peeler
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian ground sausage
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 128 ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, with purée
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 sprigs fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, plus more for garnish
• 16 ounces ziti pasta, or other tubular pasta
• 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is an important first step to ensure your Baked Ziti comes out perfectly baked and bubbly. Lightly oil a 9 X 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
• In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, add the sweet Italian ground sausage. Cook over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
• To the same saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as the aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for the rest of the dish. Next, stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes.
• Now, it’s time to add the main component of our sauce: the whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes. Use your fingers to break them into smaller chunks directly into the pot. Add the tomatoes along with their purée, dried oregano, and the reserved sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer until thickened, which should take about 20 minutes.
• While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the ziti and stir occasionally until the water returns to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. The ziti should still be firm as it will finish cooking in the oven. After draining, remember not to rinse the pasta; you want to keep that starch!
• Once the pasta is cooked, add the ziti and ricotta cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined. This step ensures that each piece of pasta is coated with that delectable sauce.
• Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Now, sprinkle half of the mozzarella or provolone cheese over the top. This layer of cheese is where the magic starts!
• Next, top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the mozzarella or provolone cheese. The more cheese, the better!
• Finally, bake your Baked Ziti in the preheated oven until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. The smell will be incredible! Once it’s done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld.

Notes

There are so many ways to put a spin on Baked Ziti! Here are some delightful variations to inspire your cooking:

• Make it vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty while catering to vegetarian tastes.
• Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses. Try adding goat cheese for a tangy flavor or some cheddar for a sharp twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
• Herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce.
• Baked Ziti with meatballs: For an added treat, incorporate homemade meatballs into your Baked Ziti for a more substantial meal.

Keyword Baked Ziti Recipe, Comfort Food Pasta, Easy Baked Ziti, Italian Pasta Bake

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.