This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is the kind of comforting, no-fuss dinner every home cook needs in their back pocket.
What makes it special is its perfect balance of hearty flavor and wholesome nourishment.
Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Baked Ziti
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot – for boiling pasta
- 1 Large Skillet – for browning sausage and onions
- 2 Mixing Bowls – for ricotta mixture and ingredient prep
- 1 9×13-inch Baking Pan – for baking the layered ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, casings removed
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 28 ounces pasta or marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with their juices
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- ½ cup water
- 16 ounces dry ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish if desired)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or extra parsley optional, for topping
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
- Cook the Sausage and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and chopped onion together. Break the sausage into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Sauté until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make the Savory Tomato Sauce: To the skillet, stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, and water. Mix well, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Boil the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta just until al dente, following the package instructions—this ensures it doesn’t overcook in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce into the base of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti evenly across the sauce. Spoon all of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently. Layer with half of the remaining sauce. Add the remaining pasta on top, then cover with the rest of the sauce. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese sprinkled evenly over the top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley or basil before serving, if desired. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Protein Options: Swap sausage with ground beef or turkey. If doing so, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon extra Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the ziti as directed, but reserve the top layer of cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, or freeze for up to 4 months. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking from Cold: Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, add the cheese layer, then continue baking for another 20–25 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or rewarm in the oven for best texture.
The zesty Italian sausage infuses the dish with savory richness, while ricotta and mozzarella create creamy, melty layers that satisfy every cheesy craving.
It’s high in protein—34 grams per serving—making it a filling choice that supports muscle health and energy levels.
With tomatoes, onions, and parsley, it adds fiber and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.
While not low-carb, it offers sustained energy thanks to the slow-digesting pasta and healthy fats from cheese.
This dish is also wonderfully meal-prep friendly—assemble ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and bake when needed.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning weekday meals, or craving comfort food, this baked ziti delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Pot
Used to boil the ziti noodles to al dente perfection. A must-have for all pasta dishes, soups, and boiling tasks. Its deep capacity makes it ideal for bulk cooking.
Mixing Bowls
Perfect for combining the ricotta filling and prepping ingredients. A versatile kitchen essential for marinating, whisking, or organizing mise en place with ease.
9×13-Inch Baking Pan
This dish brings everything together in the oven. Its size ensures even cooking and perfect layering, making it indispensable for casseroles, lasagna, and brownies alike.
Large Skillet
Browns the sausage and onion evenly while helping build flavor. A quality skillet is a game-changer for sautéing, pan-frying, or reducing sauces quickly.
Wooden Spoon or Meat Chopper
Ideal for breaking up sausage into fine crumbles. It’s gentle on cookware and highly effective for evenly distributing meat and aromatics.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Baked Ziti
The key to an outstanding baked ziti lies in balance—flavor, texture, and timing all matter.
Start with high-quality Italian sausage for rich depth; browning it properly builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered just long enough to thicken and concentrate the flavors—it should coat the back of a spoon without being too watery.
When boiling the pasta, cook it only until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
For the ricotta filling, incorporating an egg and a handful of mozzarella ensures a creamy, cohesive texture that doesn’t dry out during baking.
Layering thoughtfully also matters—start with sauce, then pasta, then cheese—so everything cooks evenly and melds together beautifully.
And don’t forget to let it rest before serving. This helps the layers set and makes each bite hold together perfectly.
Delicious Ways to Serve and Pair
Baked ziti is hearty on its own, but thoughtful pairings elevate the entire meal.
A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula and tomato salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness with freshness and acidity.
Add some garlic bread or a slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up the extra sauce.
For a more elevated dinner, serve it alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
If you’re entertaining, offer a small appetizer like stuffed mushrooms or bruschetta to start.
As a beverage pairing, red wine like Chianti or a medium-bodied Zinfandel complements the savory sausage and tomato flavors well.
For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with lemon or a cold glass of iced tea works just as nicely.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Baked ziti stores exceptionally well, making it a smart choice for meal prep or leftovers.
Once fully cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or tightly wrap the entire pan with foil and freeze for up to 4 months.
To reheat refrigerated ziti, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, or microwave single servings until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the same reheating method.
To keep the top layer cheesy and fresh, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ziti is traditional, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely. Omit the sausage and instead sauté onions with garlic, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a flavorful vegetarian base. You can also use plant-based sausage for a similar texture and taste.
3. What’s the best cheese substitute for ricotta?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese is a good substitute, though it’s slightly wetter. You can also use a mix of mascarpone and mozzarella for a richer filling.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This baked ziti is ideal for prepping in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
5. How do I keep it from drying out?
Make sure to use enough sauce when layering, and cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking if you’re reheating it. Adding a little water or extra sauce before reheating can help maintain moisture.
