Name: Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz ziti or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; 1 pound Italian sausage; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 32 oz marinara sauce; Chopped fresh basil

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A big pan of Baked Ziti filled with tender pasta, gooey cheese, Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty dish is a family favorite and pairs perfectly with garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for gatherings.

Baked Ziti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Cheesy: Layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make every bite indulgent.
Family-Friendly: A surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Customizable: Swap sausage for ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian option.

Ingredients (Serves 10)

16 oz ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 pound Italian sausage
32 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For garnish: chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain well and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes).
Discard any excess fat and set sausage aside.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese

Add the ricotta mixture, cooked sausage, and marinara sauce to the pasta.
Stir gently to combine without breaking up the pasta noodles.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
Bake 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the pasta is bubbly.
Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Prep and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per Serving: 528 kcal
Carbs: 42 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 6 g | Calcium: 388 mg | Iron: 3 mg

Tips and Variations

Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Freezing: Freeze fully baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetable boost.
Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat or add a pinch of crushed chili.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Great for potlucks, family dinners, or Sunday meal prep.
Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic comfort food that combines pasta, cheese, sausage, and marinara into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The golden, bubbly cheese on top and the savory flavors inside make it a true crowd-pleaser every time.