Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features perfectly cooked ziti pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with spicy Italian sausage, plenty of garlic, fresh basil, and a generous blend of mozzarella and pecorino Romano cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make comfort food ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti noodles
Sauce & Sausage
- 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese), divided
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
Cheese
- 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti noodles and cook according to package directions until very al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Set aside to prevent overcooking since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage to a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. If the remaining fat is insufficient, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Lower the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until softened but not browned, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Sauce with Cream, Cheese, and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream, 1/3 cup pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and chopped basil until well combined.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Carefully pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the cooked ziti and gently stir to coat the noodles evenly.
- Assemble the Baking Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33-cm) baking dish. Sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella (1 cup/113 g) and half the remaining pecorino Romano (1½ tablespoons). Layer the remaining pasta on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and pecorino Romano.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and browned on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional fresh basil before serving for a bright, herbal finish.
Notes
- This baked ziti is perfect for cozy weeknights or entertaining guests and is extremely crowd-pleasing.
- You can swap spicy Italian sausage for sweet if preferred or use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to achieve the ideal tender texture without being mushy.
- Fresh basil enhances the flavor after baking, so don’t skip this garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 613 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 913 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg