Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. I love this recipe because it combines hearty Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re making dinner for your family on a weeknight or prepping for a casual get-together, this baked ziti hits the spot every single time.

What makes this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it comes together without sacrificing any flavor. You’ll find that simmering the sauce with fresh tomatoes and Italian seasoning adds a lovely depth, and mixing the ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan creates a luscious, cheesy layer that everyone raves about. Trust me, after the first bite, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about flavors you likely have on hand already. Each ingredient plays a role: the Italian sausage adds savory depth, the ricotta mixture keeps things creamy, and the combination of sauces ensures the ziti stays moist and flavorful.

• Italian sausage: I love the spice it brings, but you can swap in ground beef or turkey if preferred.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness once sautéed with the sausage.
• Pasta sauce or marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jar to save time, or homemade if you have it.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a slight tang to balance the richness.
• Italian seasoning: A simple mix that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
• Water: Helps thin the sauce so it simmers to the perfect consistency.
• Ziti pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully.
• Ricotta cheese: The star of the creamy cheese layer that makes this dish decadent.
• Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays luscious when baked.
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a touch of color to the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully for that gooey, bubbly topping we all crave.
• Parmesan cheese: A little bit of salty, nutty punch in the cheese mix.
• Fresh basil or more parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs always elevate the final presentation and flavor.

Variations

I like personalizing this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in my fridge. It’s super forgiving, so don’t hesitate to swap out or add ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs.

• Protein Swap: I’ve made this with ground turkey for a leaner version and added minced garlic for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a nice heat that woke up my taste buds without overwhelming anyone.
• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and toss in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach—it works beautifully.
• Cheese Twist: Sometimes I mix in provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheese profile that’s just as indulgent.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and add the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until the sausage is browned and cooked through and the onion is translucent. Don’t rush this step—browning builds flavor. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

To your cooked sausage and onions, add the pasta sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, water, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer thickens the sauce and marries the flavors beautifully. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking before moving on.

Step 3: Cook the Ziti Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy after baking, so keep a close eye on timing. Drain the pasta well to avoid extra water making your casserole watery.

Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Ricotta Layer

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Mixing the egg in here helps create a rich, cohesive filling that sets nicely in the oven without drying out. Give it a good stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Baked Ziti

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. Start by spreading about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom—this prevents sticking. Then layer half of the cooked ziti evenly over the sauce. Spread all of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, followed by half of the remaining sauce. Add the rest of the ziti, then top everything with the remaining sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. This layering ensures that each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and melty cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake your assembled ziti uncovered at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to see the cheese on top beautifully melted and golden, with the edges bubbling around the sides. If you like a crispier top, turning on the broiler for a minute or two at the very end works wonders—just watch it carefully!

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my baked ziti with fresh, thinly sliced basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Not only do they add a fresh pop of color, but that herbal brightness really rounds out all the rich flavors. Sometimes a little drizzle of good olive oil on top is the perfect touch.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette and some garlicky roasted broccoli or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are always welcome to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made individual portions in small ramekins which look charming and help with portion control. Another fun idea I tried was layering in slices of grilled vegetables for added texture and color, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover baked ziti in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist—nothing worse than dry, sad pasta!

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully, which is a lifesaver on busy days. I prepare the ziti completely but hold off adding the final mozzarella topping before freezing. When ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese, and bake as usual.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works fine—just cover it loosely to trap steam.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I always enjoy making it because it’s straightforward, satisfying, and loved by everyone around my table. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your go-to comfort food too!

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