There’s something magical about baked pasta — especially when it’s loaded with layers of creamy cheese, hearty sauce, and perfectly cooked ziti noodles. This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic Italian-American comfort food that never disappoints. Whether you’re preparing it for a Sunday dinner, a casual gathering, or simply meal-prepping for the week, it delivers bold flavor and rich textures that please every palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💖
✅ Ultra cheesy and satisfying
✅ Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezing
✅ A complete, one-dish dinner
✅ Simple ingredients with tons of flavor
✅ Family-friendly and great for feeding a crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Let’s break down what goes into this delicious baked ziti — and why each ingredient matters. This isn’t just a shopping list — it’s a guide to flavor and texture!
Pasta & Sauce Layer:
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta: Ziti is traditional, but penne also works well — both hold sauce beautifully in their hollow shapes.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness.
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce — chop it small so it melts right in.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds protein and a bold, savory punch. For less fat, try chicken or turkey sausage.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is non-negotiable — it adds fragrance and classic Italian flavor.
- 48 oz marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade version. Choose one with no added sugar for best results.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning + 1 tsp dried basil: These dried herbs deepen the sauce’s flavor — add more if using a plain marinara.
- ¼ tsp black pepper + 1–2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional): Balances the richness with just a touch of spice. Add chili flakes to taste!
Creamy & Cheesy Layers:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, mild layer that contrasts beautifully with the tangy sauce.
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded 🧀: Avoid pre-shredded — shredding a low-moisture block gives you that perfect melt.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty bite that ties the dish together.
Optional but delicious:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for serving
How to Make Baked Ziti 👩🍳
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot (don’t rinse).
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the sausage: Remove casing if needed. Add sausage to the skillet, break it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce: Pour it into the skillet, stir well, and bring to a low simmer. Let it cook 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Assemble the layers: Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Combine the pasta with about ⅔ of the remaining sauce and layer half of it in the dish.
- Add cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Add remaining pasta and sauce: Spread the rest of the pasta and sauce over the cheese, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover and bake: Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray so it doesn’t stick to the cheese). Bake for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let it rest: Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set and the cheese firm up 🧊.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti 🧠
🥄 Use block mozzarella and shred it yourself for that creamy melt.
🔥 Want more spice? Add hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
🧄 Don’t skimp on garlic — fresh is best.
❄️ Make it ahead and freeze in portions for later.
🍅 Simmer your sauce for a few extra minutes to concentrate the flavors.
🧊 Always let it rest before cutting — it’s worth the wait!
Storage & Make-Ahead Info 📦
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freeze baked or unbaked: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual servings.
- From fridge: If baking from cold, add 15–20 extra minutes to bake time.
FAQs About Baked Ziti ❓
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work great.
Q: What if I don’t have ricotta?
A: Try cottage cheese or mascarpone, or just layer with mozzarella.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely — just omit the sausage or replace with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
Q: Is it okay to use jarred marinara?
A: Totally! Just choose one with good ingredients — or add fresh herbs and garlic to boost flavor.
Final Thoughts 💭
Baked Ziti is more than just a casserole — it’s a nostalgic, crave-worthy dish that speaks to comfort, community, and home-cooked love ❤️. Whether you’re gathering with friends, feeding a busy family, or planning for leftovers you’ll actually look forward to, this recipe has your back. It’s got the saucy satisfaction of lasagna without the layering stress, and the ooey-gooey cheese pulls of your favorite pizza.
You can customize it endlessly — swap in veggies, try a white sauce twist, go meatless, or make it spicy. Serve it with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or even a glass of red wine 🍷. And don’t forget: leftovers the next day? Even better. Give it a go and make your next dinner extra special — one bubbly, cheesy bite at a time.
Short Version
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 48 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes optional
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese*
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and return it to the pot.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.
- If the sausage is in casings, remove it and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon 1 cup of sauce into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Gently stir ⅔ of the remaining sauce into the pasta. Transfer half of the saucy pasta to the baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta in the baking dish. Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese on top.
- Spread the remaining pasta in an even layer over the cheese. Top with the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Spray one side of a sheet of foil with cooking spray and cover the baking dish, cooking spray side down to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Bake, covered, for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
