Baked Ziti Recipe
Introduction
Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. sweet Italian ground sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
- 4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-oz.) can tomato puree
- 1 lb. ziti rigate
- 1 (16-oz.) container whole-milk ricotta
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan, divided
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 lb. shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the sausage and break it into small pieces with the back of a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Step 2: Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, black pepper, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and the remaining clove of garlic. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage, butter, and chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Add the sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan to the bowl with the cooked pasta, and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Step 6: In a 15-by-10-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining ricotta dollops. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and finish with the last 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges, about 40 to 45 minutes. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or chopped roasted vegetables in the sauce.
- Use fresh basil leaves for a vibrant flavor, or substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
- Try mixing some shredded provolone or fontina cheese with the mozzarella for a richer cheese layer.
Storage
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with other tubular pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before baking.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot, and avoid adding extra red pepper flakes. You can also balance flavors by using a bit more ricotta or mozzarella to mellow the sauce.
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Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender ziti pasta combined with a rich tomato and sausage sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this comforting Italian-American dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. sweet Italian ground sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
- 4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28-oz.) can tomato puree
Pasta and Cheese Ingredients
- 1 lb. ziti rigate
- 1 (16-oz.) container whole-milk ricotta
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan, divided
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 lb. shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan over high heat, warm the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the sweet Italian ground sausage and break it up using the back of a spoon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is fully cooked and golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Return the saucepan with sausage fat to medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves of the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato puree, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and place it in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and the remaining clove of garlic. Mix well.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine with Pasta: Remove the tomato sauce from heat and stir in the cooked sausage, unsalted butter, and fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Add the sauce along with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan to the bowl with the cooked ziti. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a 15-by-10-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta mixture as the second layer, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture. Top with the shredded mozzarella and the final 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, with sauce bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during simmering.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time to save time before baking.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil; use about 1 teaspoon dried if fresh is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, Italian pasta bake, sausage pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce, comfort food, baked pasta
