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This rich baked ziti mixes chewy pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and tangy marinara sauce for a comforting meal that'll make everyone come back for more. It's great for big family get-togethers or when you want something filling that tastes like restaurant food without all the fuss.
I whipped up this baked ziti for our big family holiday dinner about five years back. Now we can't have a celebration without it. Even my nephew, who barely eats anything, asks for this dish whenever he stops by.
What You'll Need
- Ziti or penne pasta: Gets the job done with its grooves that grab onto all that yummy sauce and cheese
- Italian sausage: Packs in tons of flavor and makes the dish really filling
- Marinara sauce: Forms the backbone of taste - grab a good quality jar or throw together your own
- Ricotta cheese: Gives you those wonderful creamy pockets and that classic Italian taste
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates those fun stretchy cheese pulls when you dig in
- Parmesan cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty kick that ties everything together
- Fresh basil: Perks up the whole dish with its fresh smell and taste
- Italian seasoning: Makes sure every bite has that signature herb blend
- Egg: Holds the ricotta mix together so you get perfect creamy spots throughout
Easy Cooking Guide
- Get Everything Ready:
- First, heat your oven to 375°F and give your baking dish a good spray so nothing sticks. Cook your pasta a bit less than what the box says, about 2 minutes under. This keeps it from turning mushy later. After draining, add a little olive oil and toss so the pieces don't clump together.
- Fix Up the Sausage:
- Put some olive oil in a big pan over medium heat until it looks shiny. Toss in your Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until you don't see any pink, usually 5-7 minutes. Those little brown bits that stick to the pan add loads of flavor. Don't forget to drain off extra fat so your dish isn't greasy.
- Mix Your Cheeses:
- In a bowl, stir together your ricotta, one egg, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and some red pepper flakes if you want a kick. This makes those amazing pockets of creaminess. Add a bit of salt and pepper, but go easy since the cheeses are already a bit salty.
- Put It All Together:
- In a big bowl, carefully combine the pasta, cheese mix, cooked sausage, and marinara sauce. Don't stir too hard or you'll break up the pasta. Make sure everything's mixed evenly so each serving has all the good stuff.
- Bake It Up:
- Dump everything into your baking dish and sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella and Parmesan on top. This gives you that gorgeous golden cheesy crust. Bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so it's easier to cut and the flavors settle down.
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My grandma from Naples always told me that good baked ziti comes down to using top-notch cheese. She'd always say to spend a bit more on freshly grated Parmesan instead of the stuff in the shaker can. That extra nutty flavor turns this from just another pasta dish into something everyone will remember.
Planning Ahead
You can totally make this baked ziti in advance. Just put it all together up to a day before you plan to bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, take it out about half an hour before to warm up a bit, then bake as normal, maybe adding 5-10 more minutes. Leftovers stay good for about 5 days if you keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. Warm up single portions in the microwave or heat bigger amounts in a 350°F oven until hot all the way through.
Freezing Tips
This dish freezes amazingly well, so it's perfect for making ahead or giving to friends who need a meal. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze it unbaked, just assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual, adding around 15 extra minutes. For already baked ziti, let it cool down completely, divide it into portions in freezer containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Mix It Up
What's great about this baked ziti is how flexible it is. Want it meat-free? Swap the sausage for 8 ounces of cooked mushrooms or some plant-based meat. Feel like changing the flavor? Try ground beef or turkey instead of sausage. Looking for something lighter? Go with reduced-fat mozzarella and ricotta. You can toss in veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead.
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What To Serve With It
Baked ziti works best as the star of the meal with simple sides. Pair it with some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the rich pasta. For fancy occasions, add some roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts on the side. This dish tastes great with medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo if you want the full Italian dinner experience.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is it okay to swap ziti with penne?
Definitely! Penne works just as nicely in this recipe and holds the sauce and cheese really well.
- → How do I prep this meal beforehand?
You can put everything together right up to when you'd bake it, wrap it up with foil, and keep it in your fridge for a day. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
- → Can I stick this in the freezer?
For sure! You can freeze it before or after baking in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just warm it up in your oven when you want it.
- → What goes well on the side?
This tastes great with some crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or some steamed veggies to round out your meal.
- → Can I use something besides sausage?
You can totally switch to ground beef or even turkey if you want something with less spice and a lighter taste.