When you need a hearty meal that pleases a crowd, this Classic Baked Ziti answers the call. With tubes of tender pasta layered with robust tomato sauce and generous handfuls of creamy ricotta and mozzarella, it bakes into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole. The final step of uncovering it for the last few minutes ensures a perfectly crisp finish. It’s the kind of effortless family dinner that guarantees empty plates.
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You’ll Adore This Effortless Baked Ziti
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – This cheesy baked pasta with marinara and herbs is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Simple Weeknight Wonder – With minimal hands-on time, you can have this savory layered pasta dish on the table without stress.
- Incredibly Versatile – Easily swap in different meats or cheeses to make this easy Baked Ziti your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers – This hearty pasta casserole with Parmesan and parsley reheats beautifully for lunches all week.
What You’ll Need for Your Baked Ziti
For the pasta
- Ziti Pasta – Any short tube-shaped pasta works, but ziti is classic for a reason.
For the filling
- Olive Oil – Just a bit to get things going in the skillet.
- Italian Sausage – Bulk sausage is easiest here, but you can use links if you remove the casings.
- Yellow Onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds that irresistible aroma.
- Marinara Sauce – Go for your favorite store-bought jar or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Ricotta Cheese – Whole milk ricotta keeps things creamy and rich.
- Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture for the perfect texture.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Kosher Salt – For seasoning—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground if you can.
For the cheesy topping
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded whole milk mozzarella is the ultimate melty cheese for the top.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish—worth it.
Timing Your Perfect Baked Ziti Dinner
I love that this Baked Ziti recipe feels like a weekend cooking ritual without taking over your entire day. You’ll spend about 20 minutes getting everything prepped and assembled, which for me usually happens while my morning coffee is brewing.
The oven does most of the work, baking for about 50 minutes total. So, in just over an hour, you’ll have a cozy, comforting meal ready to share. It’s the perfect project for a relaxed Sunday afternoon that yields delicious leftovers, much like when you make a big batch of my baked manicotti.
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
Equipment
- baking dish
- Large pot
- skillet
- oven
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente, then drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the Italian sausage and onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft; stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the cooked sausage mixture, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture to the pot with the drained pasta, then gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly for easier serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Adapting This Baked Ziti For Special Diets
I often get asked how to make this classic comfort food more sugar conscious, especially for those managing their blood sugar. It’s easier than you think to create a more glucose-friendly version! For a diabetic-friendly approach, you can make a few smart swaps without sacrificing flavor.
Consider using a no-sugar-added marinara sauce to cut down on hidden sugars. You could also try a low-glycemic pasta alternative, like whole wheat or legume-based ziti. Portion control is key, too—serving a sensible portion alongside a big green salad makes for a balanced, blood sugar friendly meal.
My Pro-Tips for Baked Ziti Perfection
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this easy Baked Ziti from good to absolutely incredible. First, for a flavor boost, try browning the sausage really well—those crispy bits add so much depth!
- Meat Swap: Not a sausage fan? Ground beef or turkey works wonderfully. For another baked pasta idea, check out my baked chicken and broccoli alfredo.
- Texture Tip: Make sure to drain the pasta well so your sauce doesn’t get watery. Al dente is the way to go!
- Cheese Hack: For extra creaminess, mix a little extra ricotta right into the sauce before layering.
- Reheat Magic: Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or sauce, covered, in the oven. It keeps the pasta from drying out, just like when you reheat baked dumplings.
The Wholesome Side of Baked Ziti
While this creamy and bubbly Italian pasta bake is definitely a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The protein from the sausage and cheese helps keep you full, and using whole milk ricotta provides a good dose of calcium.
For a deeper look at creating balanced meals, you can explore the best cheese combinations from culinary experts. If you’re looking for other nutrient-rich dinner options, my baked salmon is a fantastic choice. And for a lighter side, baked brown rice pairs beautifully.
Creating a Lighter Baked Ziti
If you’re craving this comfort food pasta but want a lighter take, I’ve got you covered. You can easily make a few substitutions to lighten things up without losing that cozy, satisfying feel.
Try using lean ground turkey instead of sausage and part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. You can even sneak in some finely chopped veggies like spinach or zucchini into the sauce! For more healthy inspiration, my baked cod is wonderfully light. And if you love baked fruit desserts, baked apples are a naturally sweet treat.
Serving Your Baked Ziti with Style
I remember the first time I made this Baked Ziti for a family potluck—it was gone in minutes! The key to serving it is letting it rest for those 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This lets the layers set so you get picture-perfect squares.
I love serving it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. It’s the ultimate cozy Sunday dinner that feels like a hug in a dish.
Common Baked Ziti Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls, but don’t worry—I’ve made most of these mistakes so you don’t have to! The most common question I get is whether Baked Ziti goes in the oven covered or uncovered. The answer is both! You start covered to melt the cheese, then uncover to get that gorgeous, bubbly top.
Another mistake is overcooking the pasta before baking. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is perfect. Also, be generous with the seasoning—the pasta absorbs a lot of flavor. For more baking tips, check out my guide to baked potato nests. And if you’re curious about the origins of this dish, you can read about traditional Italian baked pasta. Learning from my baked oven chips recipe can also help you master oven temperatures.
Storing and Enjoying Baked Ziti Later
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps. I always make a full pan because it means easy lunches for days! Let the Baked Ziti cool completely before covering and storing it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to portion it into individual containers before freezing for ultimate convenience. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven until bubbly. For another great make-ahead option, try my baked eggs. And if you have a sweet tooth, baked pears are a simple dessert you can prep ahead.
Why You Should Try This Baked Ziti Tonight
This classic Baked Ziti recipe has been a staple in my home for years because it never fails to bring everyone to the table with a smile. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.
I hope you and your family love this oven-baked pasta with Italian sausage and cheese as much as we do. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food pasta. For more easy dinner ideas, explore my recipes for baked ziti with parmesan, baked oats for breakfast, and even a fun baked pumpkin-shaped meatloaf for the holidays.
More Cozy Baked Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more baked favorites that are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
Baked Manicotti – Tender pasta tubes stuffed with a rich, herby cheese filling and smothered in marinara.
Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo – A creamy, decadent pasta bake that feels like a restaurant meal at home.
Baked Salmon – Flaky, perfectly seasoned salmon that comes together with minimal effort for a healthy dinner.
Baked Apples – Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples that make your kitchen smell amazing—the perfect easy dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baked ziti basically lasagna?
They’re close cousins! Both are hearty Italian pasta bakes, but Baked Ziti uses tube-shaped pasta mixed with the sauce and cheese, while lasagna features flat sheets layered with fillings. Ziti is often a bit quicker and easier to assemble, making it a fantastic weeknight-friendly alternative.
What are some common mistakes when making baked ziti?
The biggest mistakes are overcooking the pasta before baking and skipping the rest time afterward. Using al dente pasta prevents mushiness, and letting the dish rest for 10 minutes allows the layers to set for perfect serving. Also, don’t forget to season each component well for the best flavor.
Does baked ziti go in the oven, covered or uncovered?
You do both! Start by baking your Baked Ziti covered with foil. This traps steam and melts the cheese beautifully. Then, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to get that gorgeous, golden-brown, bubbly top that makes this dish so irresistible.
What sauce is best for baked ziti?
A robust marinara sauce is classic and works wonderfully. I recommend using a high-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade recipe. The key is a sauce with deep tomato flavor that can stand up to the rich cheeses. For another saucy baked dish, try my baked ziti with parmesan.
