Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

I absolutely love how comforting and satisfying this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug after a long day, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights. The combination of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella baked together with ziti pasta makes it an irresistibly hearty meal.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple the steps are—yet the flavors are so rich and layered. You’ll find that this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks who want a no-fuss dinner and seasoned home chefs looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works perfectly together to create that classic baked ziti magic. Picking quality sausage and fresh herbs really amps up the flavor, so don’t skimp on those when you grab your groceries.

• Italian sausage: I prefer the sweet variety for a balanced flavor, but spicy works too if you like heat.
• Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth once sautéed with the sausage.
• Pasta sauce or marinara sauce: Choose a thick, flavorful jarred sauce or homemade if you have it.
• Canned diced tomatoes with juices: This gives the sauce extra body and texture.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together beautifully.
• Water: Helps thin the sauce slightly and keeps it saucy enough for baking.
• Ziti pasta: Its shape holds sauce really well, but penne or rigatoni work as great substitutes.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it adds richness without overpowering the dish.
• Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so it stays creamy instead of runny.
• Fresh parsley: I love the fresh pop of herbaceousness it adds.
• Mozzarella cheese: Go for whole milk shredded for melting heaven.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Optional, but it makes the dish look and taste even more inviting.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is—you can easily tweak ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Meat variations: I once swapped the sausage for ground turkey with added garlic and Italian seasoning to lighten it up—it was still packed with flavor and my family didn’t even notice!
• Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and boost veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty plant-based twist.
• Spice it up: Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce gives this recipe a lovely spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Cheese swaps: Try adding provolone or Fontina in place of some mozzarella for a slightly different melt and flavor profile.

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. Add your Italian sausage and diced onion, breaking up the meat with your spoon as it cooks. You’ll want the sausage fairly fine and beautifully browned, which takes about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy—this little step really makes a difference in the final texture!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

To the cooked sausage and onions, add your pasta sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, water, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let this simmer, uncovered, for about 12 minutes until it’s thickened nicely. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust salt and pepper—balancing the sauce here sets the foundation for incredible flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Ziti

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente—usually about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. This ensures they hold their shape when baked and don’t become mushy. Drain the pasta well and set aside—it’s ready to be layered shortly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, half the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. This mixture adds that rich, creamy punch that creates the gooey inside of the baked ziti. The egg is key here—it helps the cheese set so you get nice layers, not a runny mess.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and ladle about one cup of sauce to the bottom. Add half the cooked ziti in an even layer, then spread all of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, followed by half of the remaining sauce. Layer the rest of the ziti, pour over the leftover sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Pop this into your preheated oven at 375°F and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my baked ziti with a handful of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley right before serving. It adds a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through all that rich cheese. Plus, it makes the dish look restaurant-worthy, which is a big plus when you have guests.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I love pairing baked ziti with a crisp green salad (think arugula with lemon vinaigrette) and some garlic bread or a crusty baguette for scooping up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also make perfect side dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving individual portions of baked ziti in small ramekins right from the oven—they’re so cozy and look charming on the table. Another fun way is to sprinkle extra Parmesan and broil for a couple of minutes for a golden, crispy top layer that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When covered properly, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftover bites even tastier!

Freezing

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe freezes wonderfully. I prepare it fully (except I keep the last cup of mozzarella cheese separate for topping after thawing), tightly wrap it, and freeze for up to 4 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your portion in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil, so it warms evenly without drying out. For frozen batches, bake covered first, then add cheese topping and bake uncovered until bubbly—just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those all-around winners that never disappoints. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet comforting enough to make feel-like-home meals for the people you love. I hope when you try it, you enjoy every cheesy, saucy, delicious bite as much as I do!

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