Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta dish with a gooey cheese pull and crispy edges that make it a crowd favorite. Think of it as lasagna’s cooler cousin—simple to make, yet irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian sausage
• Italian herbs
• Garlic

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbly. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian herbs, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to create a flavorful cheese blend.
4. Step 4: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer half of the cooked pasta, then the sausage, followed by the cheese mixture. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slicing to set.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
• Use fresh Italian herbs like basil and oregano if available for brighter flavor.
• Layer in some grated Parmesan for added savory depth.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, adds great flavor. You can use pork, turkey, or a plant-based alternative depending on your preference.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Easy Baked Ziti recipe delivers a comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked ziti pasta layered with rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, savory Italian sausage, and robust marinara sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection with irresistibly crispy edges, this dish offers a delicious cheese pull and satisfying textures, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pasta and Meat

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage

Cheeses

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasoning

• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tsp Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Mix Cheeses and Herbs: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Italian herbs, and the minced garlic. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
4. Layer in Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, then half of the cooked ziti, followed by half the sausage, and half the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers ending with a generous topping of remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
6. Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh Italian herbs for more vibrant flavor or substitute with dried if unavailable.
• Drain the cooked pasta well to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
• Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian pasta casserole, cheese pasta bake, easy Italian dinner, baked pasta recipe