Save A hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a melty cheese topping—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
This baked ziti recipe quickly became a family favorite after I served it for a weekend dinner party. Everyone loved the cheesy top and savory sauce.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti or penne pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes, 400 g (14 oz) canned tomato sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 tsp sugar, Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cheeses: 250 g (9 oz) ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 340 g (12 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh Herbs (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 34 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 1015 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix Cheese:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella (170 g / 6 oz). Mix well.
- Toss Pasta:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked ziti with half of the sauce.
- Assemble:
- Spread half of the ziti mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the ricotta cheese mixture. Add the remaining ziti and top with the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 1520 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Save Making this dish always brings my family together at the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying hearty flavors.
Notes
For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and part-skim cheeses. Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowls, 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, foil, colander, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk, egg. Sausage may contain additional allergens such as soy and gluten; check labels for sensitivities. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Save This baked ziti is perfect for making ahead and reheating, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes due to their tubular shape that holds sauce well.
- → How can I control the spiciness of the dish?
Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on preference and adjust red pepper flakes accordingly for the desired heat level.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, simmer the tomato and sausage sauce in advance; this allows flavors to meld and reduces baking time later.
- → What cheeses are used in the topping?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, rich, and bubbly topping when baked.
- → How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
Bake until the cheese is melted and golden with bubbling edges, usually after removing foil for the last 15–20 minutes.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor in this dish?
Dried oregano, basil, and fresh parsley or basil garnish provide classic Italian aroma and depth.