Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something that’s hearty and cheesy, but also simple enough to pull together without stress. The combination of Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella creates a richness that my whole family goes crazy for every single time.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make yet how impressive it looked and tasted. You’ll find that this baked ziti is not just about great flavor but also convenience — from prepping to baking, it’s smooth sailing. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers, making it a win not just for dinner but for lunches or busy nights too.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to create that classic baked ziti taste — saucy, cheesy, and packed with bold savory flavors. Use good-quality Italian sausage and fresh herbs when you can; it really does make a difference.

• Italian sausage: I prefer mild for a family-friendly flavor, but spicy works if you want a little kick.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
• Pasta sauce or marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for extra love.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Keeps the sauce chunky and fresh.
• Italian seasoning: The key blend for that classic Italian flavor profile.
• Water: Helps to loosen the sauce slightly so it’s not too thick to layer properly.
• Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular shape to hold all that cheesy goodness.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy richness that balances the flavors.
• Large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so it stays beautifully creamy while baking.
• Fresh parsley: For a hint of brightness in the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives that ooey-gooey, melty texture on top and inside.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that elevates the whole dish.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous note when serving.

Variations

I love that this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is so easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or what your family likes. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist — I do it all the time!

• Swap the meat: When I’m out of Italian sausage, ground beef or turkey works great; just add garlic and Italian seasoning to keep it flavorful.
• Make it vegetarian: Try sautéing mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of meat for a lighter version that’s just as satisfying.
• Add a little heat: Toss in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a subtle spicy kick — my husband loves this!
• Use different pasta: While ziti is classic, penne or rigatoni work just as well if that’s what you have in the pantry.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and browning the Italian sausage with the diced onion. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks for even cooking and texture. Once browned and fragrant, drain any excess fat — this keeps the dish from getting greasy.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Add the pasta sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), water, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Let it simmer uncovered for about 12 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste; this simmering step builds the flavor base beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil your ziti pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. You want it cooked through but still firm since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well — I like to toss it quickly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This creamy, herby combo is what makes the baked ziti so rich and comforting.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Start by spreading 1 cup of the sauce evenly on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti on top, then spoon over all the ricotta cheese mixture in an even layer. Next, spread half of the remaining sauce over the cheese, add the rest of the pasta, and top with the remaining sauce. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn — if you notice the top browning too quickly, tent with foil. Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to help set everything.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top right before serving — it brightens up the rich flavors and adds a beautiful pop of green. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil for an extra luscious finish.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with baked ziti are a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky roasted broccoli — they balance the richness perfectly. Sometimes, I serve it with crusty garlic bread to soak up all those delicious sauce juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this recipe in individual ramekins — it feels fancy and makes portioning a breeze. Another fun idea is layering it in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation with crispy edges that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the leftover baked ziti to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, it keeps its creamy texture and tastes just as good — which is a big win after a busy day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I prep the whole dish, but keep the final cup of cheese separate, then freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge, bake with cheese added last to keep that topping melty and fresh.

Reheating

To reheat baked ziti, I cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually around 20 minutes. This method helps preserve the texture and prevents drying out, unlike microwaving which can sometimes make it a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it manages to be both fuss-free and crowd-pleasing — a rare combo! Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weekday or prepping something satisfying for guests, this dish never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family loves it too!

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