Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta bake—rich, cheesy, and layered with hearty sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey mozzarella. This version combines Italian sausage, fresh basil, and pecorino Romano for authentic flavor, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic perfect for feeding a group
• Creamy tomato sauce balances savory sausage
• Can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve
• Freezer-friendly for easy future meals
• Cheesy, hearty, and full of Italian-inspired flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ziti noodles
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
⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano) cheese, divided
⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package directions until very al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, return to pot, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with rack in the middle position.
3. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook sausage, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, 5–6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate.
4. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan (or add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed). Reduce heat to low, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute until softened but not browned.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, ⅓ cup pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and basil; stir to combine.
7. Pour sauce mixture into the pot with pasta and gently stir to coat.
8. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1½ tablespoons pecorino Romano. Repeat with remaining pasta, then top with the remaining mozzarella and pecorino Romano.
9. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
10. Garnish with extra basil before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Extra cheesy: Add ricotta cheese between layers for a creamier texture.
• Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• White baked ziti: Skip the tomatoes and use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freeze unbaked assembled ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.

FAQs

1. Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work just as well.

2. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake when ready.

3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

4. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.

5. Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, replace crushed tomatoes with 4 cups marinara and reduce cooking time.

6. How do I prevent overcooked pasta?

Undercook the pasta by 2–3 minutes since it will finish cooking in the oven.

7. Can I mix mozzarella into the pasta instead of layering?

Yes, this ensures cheese in every bite, but layering gives a more traditional presentation.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded melts better and has more flavor.

9. Is this dish freezer-friendly after baking?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat covered in the oven.

10. Can I substitute the sausage with ground beef?

Yes, or use a mix of beef and sausage for a balanced flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is the ultimate pasta casserole—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Italian sausage and herbs. Whether you make it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, it’s also a perfect go-to recipe for busy schedules and meal prep.

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