I recently crafted a dish that is one of my favorite Italian Ziti Recipes. The combination of tender ziti, savory Italian sausage, and a blend of melted cheeses tossed in a rich marinara created a feast for the senses. Every bite evokes a blend of history and irresistible flavor truly.
I’ve always been a fan of dishes that impress without overcomplicating things, and this Best Baked Ziti is one of my go-to recipes when I need a special occasion dish that’s easy yet super satisfying. I start by boiling 1 lb of dry ziti pasta until it’s just right, then I toss in a browned mix of Italian sausage (or ground beef if you’re into that), a nicely chopped onion, and fresh minced garlic cooked in olive oil.
Next, the magic happens when the pasta meets a hearty 32 oz jar of marinara sauce, and I fold in creamy ricotta cheese along with plenty of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan for that unbeatable cheesy pull. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, along with salt and pepper, brings everything together.
I love how this baked ziti, with its homemade sauce twist, transforms into a delicious and comforting bake that’s great ahead of time.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe for a few reasons:
1. I really dig how super cheesy it is – all that gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta and tangy Parmesan makes every bite amazing.
2. I appreciate that it’s super simple to prep ahead of time so I can have it ready for a special occasion without a huge hassle.
3. I like how the flavors work together perfectly; the savory sausage (or beef), zesty marinara and aromatic basil make it really satisfying.
This baked ziti recipe is one of my favorites because it’s perfect for those times when I wanna have something homemade and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a dish that I can prep in advance and then just pop in the oven when I’m ready to eat. Even though it might seem a bit basic, the combination of the rich marinara sauce, hearty meat, and melty cheeses always makes it super rewarding. I love how the flavors keep coming back to me every time I make it, reminding me of lazy weekend dinners and family get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta is full of carbs, giving the dish a hearty, satisfying base for the sauce
- Italian sausage adds loads of protein and bold flavor its a little spicy too
- Marinara sauce is tomato rich, a mix of tangy and sweet flavors that really pop
- Ricotta cheese is creamy, mild and makes everything smoother while adding extra protein
- Parmesan cheese brings a salty, sharp taste that makes the flavour profile even richer
- Fresh basil, while light, offers an aromatic lift and a subtle herbal finish
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb dry ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef if you prefer)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the 1 lb of ziti pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook until it starts to brown.
4. Toss in the chopped onion and stir it until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute so it gets fragrant.
5. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet; season with salt, pepper, and basil (if using dried, add 1 tbsp now) and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a big bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and some Parmesan (reserve some for topping later).
7. Spoon half of this mixture into a greased baking dish, then dollop small amounts of the ricotta mixture to keep that creamy texture throughout.
8. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top and sprinkle evenly with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Top the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil for flavor.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your super cheesy baked ziti!
Equipment Needed
1. Preheated oven (set to 375°F)
2. Large pot for boiling water
3. Colander for draining pasta
4. Large skillet for cooking sausage and veggies
5. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring in the skillet
6. Big mixing bowl to combine pasta, meat sauce and cheeses
7. Greased baking dish for baking the ziti
8. Knife and cutting board for chopping onion and basil
9. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate seasoning and cheese amounts
FAQ
Best Baked Ziti Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage or ground beef for a leaner twist
- Try penne or rigatoni in place of ziti pasta if you want a change in texture
- Swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese to mix things up a bit
- Opt for oregano instead of basil if you’re looking for a slightly different herbal flavor
- For a more homemade taste, combine crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning instead of using marinara sauce
Pro Tips
1. Make sure you dont overcook the pasta—aim for that perfect al dente texture so it can handle all the sauce and cheese without turnin mushy.
2. When browning the sausage or beef, get it nice and crispy on the edges before adding the onions; this builds a richer flavor in the sauce.
3. Let the sauce simmer with garlic and basil a little longer if you can so the flavors really meld together—trust me, it makes a big difference.
4. After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheeses set up a bit, makin it less messy to dish out.
Best Baked Ziti Recipe
My favorite Best Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Preheated oven (set to 375°F)
2. Large pot for boiling water
3. Colander for draining pasta
4. Large skillet for cooking sausage and veggies
5. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring in the skillet
6. Big mixing bowl to combine pasta, meat sauce and cheeses
7. Greased baking dish for baking the ziti
8. Knife and cutting board for chopping onion and basil
9. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate seasoning and cheese amounts
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dry ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef if you prefer)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the 1 lb of ziti pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook until it starts to brown.
4. Toss in the chopped onion and stir it until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute so it gets fragrant.
5. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet; season with salt, pepper, and basil (if using dried, add 1 tbsp now) and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a big bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and some Parmesan (reserve some for topping later).
7. Spoon half of this mixture into a greased baking dish, then dollop small amounts of the ricotta mixture to keep that creamy texture throughout.
8. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top and sprinkle evenly with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Top the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil for flavor.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it cool a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your super cheesy baked ziti!
