Name: Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ziti or Penne noodles; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 cloves minced garlic (1 heaping Tablespoon); 1 onion (finely chopped, about 1 cup); 1 lb Italian sausage (Sweet or Mild); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 29 oz tomato sauce; 14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained); 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil (loosely packed); 1 heaping cup ricotta cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Introduction

Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty pasta dish layers tender noodles with a flavorful sausage tomato sauce and creamy cheeses. It’s easy to assemble and delivers a satisfying, cheesy bake every time.

A close-up view of a pasta bake in a white rectangular baking dish shows three visible layers: the bottom layer with yellow tubular pasta, the middle layer of chunky red tomato sauce mixed with minced meat, and the top layer covered with melted white cheese that stretches slightly. The dish is set on a wooden board with a utensil partially visible in the foreground, and the background has a white marbled texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Ziti or Penne noodles
2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
5 cloves minced garlic (about 1 heaping Tablespoon)
1 onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 lb Italian sausage (Sweet Italian or Mild)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
29 oz tomato sauce
14 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil (loosely packed)
1 heaping cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, then toss with two teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Italian sausage to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Once mostly browned, add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat and mix in the fresh basil slices.
Step 7: Spread a thin layer of the pasta sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Layer half of the noodles over the sauce; if noodles have stuck together, break them apart with your hands. Top with half of the remaining sauce and spread evenly.
Step 9: Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the sauce layer. Then add the remaining noodles followed by the remaining sauce spread on top.
Step 10: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top. Lightly grease a piece of foil with butter or oil, cover the casserole, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious baked ziti!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the sauce.
Fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make ahead by assembling the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake right before serving.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, though oven reheating preserves texture better.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of baked ziti pasta with three main visible layers: the bottom layer of pale baked pasta tubes, the middle layer of chunky, bright red tomato sauce with bits of cooked meat and herbs, and the top layer of melted white cheese slightly browned in spots. Some fresh dark green basil leaves are scattered on top. A golden fork is lifting some pasta from the plate, held by a woman's hand that is partly visible at the side. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a wooden pepper grinder, small wooden bowls containing coarse salt and red chili flakes, and a white baking dish filled with more baked ziti blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes for ziti as they hold sauce well and bake nicely.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Tossing it with olive oil also helps keep the noodles separate before baking.