Name: Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz ziti or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling over pasta; 1 pound Italian sausage; 32 oz marinara sauce; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; 3/4 cups 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; Chopped basil (if desired)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 12 reviews

If you need the ultimate comfort dish to please a crowd or just feed your own pasta-loving heart, look no further than baked ziti. This glorious, cheese-topped casserole brings together tender noodles, savory Italian sausage, and a hearty marinara sauce, all wrapped in layers of melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta. It’s the kind of meal that inspires second helpings, enthusiastic “oohs” at the dinner table, and a kitchen richly perfumed with the aromas of tomatoes, spices, and bubbling cheese. Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight meal, baked ziti never fails to deliver serious comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to mouthwatering baked ziti is starting with quality ingredients and letting each one shine. Each element brings something special—tender noodles for texture, hearty sausage for flavor, and luscious cheeses for that irresistible golden topping.

16 oz ziti or penne pasta: These sturdy tubes soak up all the saucy goodness and hold their shape after baking.
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling): A touch of olive oil prevents sticking and adds depth to the finished dish.
1 pound Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy based on your preference; this packs the baked ziti with meaty, flavorful bites.
32 oz marinara sauce: Opt for a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade; it’s the base that ties everything together.
15 oz ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta lightens the filling and adds luxurious texture.
1 large egg: The egg binds the ricotta mixture, making every scoop perfectly pillowy.
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided: For the gooey melt inside and that stretchy, golden blanket on top.
3/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided: Sharp and salty, Parmesan amps up the overall flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: Fresh and aromatic, basil brightens every bite.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This dried blend layers in classic herbal notes.
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a little fire for those who like a touch of heat.
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential finishing touches for seasoning every layer.
For garnish: chopped basil (if desired): A sprinkle of green for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. A hot oven is key for getting both a bubbling interior and that irresistible golden crust. Don’t forget to give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray—you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to serve the ziti and your slices lift out cleanly!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your ziti (or penne) and cook until it’s just shy of fully done—al dente is the magic word. Drain the pasta well, drizzle it with a smidge of olive oil, and give it a gentle stir so it doesn’t clump. Transfer the noodles to a big bowl and set aside while you work on the fillings.

Step 3: Sauté the Italian Sausage

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over moderate heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Aim for bite-sized bits, and cook until every piece is browned, fragrant, and no longer pink—about 5 to 7 minutes. Discard any excess fat to keep your baked ziti rich but not greasy.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of Parmesan, chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper if you want a little kick. Season everything generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir until you have a creamy, herby concoction that smells absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now comes the fun part: mix! Fold the ricotta mixture into the cooked pasta. Gently add the marinara sauce and browned sausage, using a large spoon to toss everything together. Be careful not to break up the pasta—gentle hands make for the best baked ziti. You want every bite to be balanced and packed with flavor.

Step 6: Layer and Top

Pour your ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out, then shower the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan. This cheesy blanket ensures a glorious golden, gooey finish that’s the hallmark of any great baked ziti.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling merrily around the edges. Let the ziti rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and it sets up just enough to slice beautifully. Finish with a flurry of chopped basil if you want to make it Instagram-worthy!

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch for baked ziti is a sprinkle of fresh basil. The pop of green contrasts beautifully with the golden cheese, and the aroma hits you before the first forkful. For extra flair, try a little extra Parmesan, or even a handful of chopped parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds shine and richness.

Side Dishes

Balance that cheesy pasta with a crisp, fresh salad—something with arugula, tomatoes, or a simple vinaigrette will cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate. For a truly memorable meal, add a big bowl of roasted vegetables or a tangy antipasto platter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Baked ziti can be the star of a buffet by serving it straight from the baking dish, family-style. For parties, scoop portions into individual ramekins for adorable, personal servings. You can even get playful and use the leftovers as a filling for grilled panini or loaded baked potatoes—let your creativity run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have extra baked ziti, let it cool completely before wrapping the dish tightly with foil or transferring individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making lunch (or midnight snacks) something to genuinely look forward to!

Freezing

Baked ziti is a freezer hero. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it—just cover tightly with two layers of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen in portions for easy meals down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the ziti with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and melty, about 20–25 minutes. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of marinara or water before baking. For single portions, a microwave works just fine—just be sure to cover with a damp paper towel so the pasta doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, absolutely! While Italian sausage brings classic flavor, ground beef or turkey are tasty alternatives. Just add a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning and perhaps a pinch more salt to compensate for the milder taste.

Is it okay to make baked ziti ahead of time?

Totally! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready, just pop it straight into the oven and add 10–15 minutes extra to the baking time to account for the chill.

Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?

Definitely. Just cook your gluten-free ziti or penne until it’s al dente, as some brands can get soft quickly. Otherwise, prepare the recipe exactly the same way for a delicious gluten-free baked ziti.

What’s the best way to keep baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure your pasta is not overcooked to start and that there’s plenty of sauce coating every bit. Covering with foil for the first 15–20 minutes of baking can help keep moisture in, then uncover for a few minutes at the end to brown the cheese.

Can I add vegetables to the ziti?

For sure! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make excellent additions to baked ziti. Just cook them first to remove extra moisture and mix them in with the pasta before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made baked ziti before, I promise it’s about to become a regular request at your table. There’s something truly special about this bubbling, cheesy, saucy masterpiece—so gather your favorite people, get out your biggest casserole dish, and experience the joy that is baked ziti. You’ll be so glad you did!