Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-baked-ziti-recipe/
