Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those dishes that brings you comfort, warmth, and a sense of hominess. Picture a steaming casserole dish, full of ziti pasta cradled in savory tomato sauce, mingled with rich Italian sausage and bubbly cheeses melting together in the oven. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is a winner. Each bite is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures, sure to make you smile. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a fantastic option for both fancy gatherings and simple family dinners. Grab your apron, and let’s embark on this culinary journey to create the perfect Baked Ziti!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that perfectly marries rich flavors and heartwarming textures. The layers of ziti pasta intertwined with savory Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and a luscious tomato sauce make every bite a satisfying delight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe promises smiles around the table.

What is a Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole featuring ziti or penne pasta combined with a meaty tomato sauce and multiple cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden. Known for its convenience and satisfying flavors, it’s an ideal dish for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For serving: chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

Preparing the Pasta

Boil the Ziti

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Sauce

Brown the Sausage and Onion

In a separate skillet, combine the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.

Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the Tomatoes and Cream

Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and white sugar to the sauce mixture. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes.

Combining the Ingredients

Mix Pasta with Sauce

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine all the flavors.

Assembling the Dish

Layer the Casserole

In a 9×13 casserole dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the first layer without spreading too much. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.

Baking the Baked Ziti

Bake and Broil

Bake the casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and hot. For a golden crust, broil for a few minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. Finish the dish off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use a mix of cheeses for varied flavor; consider substituting goat cheese or adding extra mozzarella.
• For added richness, blend in a splash of red wine with the sauce.
• Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Swap out the Italian sausage for assorted roasted vegetables or a meat alternative.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or add diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Rich and Creamy Baked Ziti: Incorporate cream cheese or a splash of sour cream into the ricotta layer.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time if cooking from cold.

2. Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.

3. What’s the difference between Baked Ziti and Lasagna?
While both are baked pasta dishes, Baked Ziti uses tubular pasta and is typically layered differently than the flat lasagna noodles used in lasagna.

4. How can I make my Baked Ziti extra cheesy?
Feel free to add more mozzarella cheese on top or even mix in different cheese varieties in the layers.

5. What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
Pair it with a fresh garden salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors.

A perfect Baked Ziti can turn an ordinary meal into a joyful feast. With its layers of pasta, meat, and cheese baked to perfection, it offers an irresistible comfort food experience. Explore variations to suit your tastes and enjoy the delightful promise of warmth and satisfaction. Prepare to share this beloved recipe with friends and family, creating lasting memories around the dinner table.

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Bacon Wrapped Mini Meatloaf
• Homemade Cheesy Potatoes
• Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
• 3-Ingredient Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash

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Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti is a comforting casserole that combines robust flavors and textures. Featuring ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and a medley of cheeses, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy meals.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For serving: chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

Instructions

• Boil ziti in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than package directions, then drain.
• In a skillet, cook Italian sausage and onion over medium heat until browned.
• Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and white sugar; heat through.
• Mix cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet.
• In a casserole dish, layer half the pasta, dollops of ricotta, rest of the pasta, and top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes; broil briefly for a golden crust.

Notes

Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
Allow baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 24
• Saturated Fat: 12
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 22
• Cholesterol: 80