Name: Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti noodles; 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage; 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; 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided; 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil; 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 5 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug, Baked Ziti is the answer. This hearty, cheesy pasta bake brings together tender noodles, robust tomato sauce, layers of creamy cheese, and the irresistible bite of Italian sausage for a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. From busy weeknights to family gatherings or potlucks, it’s easy to see why Baked Ziti has become a beloved classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a memorable role, enhancing the flavors and textures that make Baked Ziti so special. Simple ingredients, thoughtfully chosen, combine to create layers of creaminess, richness, and that signature comforting flavor.

Ziti noodles: These short, tubular pasta shapes perfectly hold onto sauce and cheese, making every bite flavorful.
Italian sausage: Spicy or sweet, it lends depth, texture, and savory satisfaction to the dish. Remove from casings for easy cooking.
Garlic: Four cloves bring their aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with irresistible fragrance.
Crushed tomatoes: A large can forms the base for your sauce, creating brightness and body.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the natural taste of every ingredient.
Sugar: Just a hint tempers the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out your sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick of heat that lifts up the whole dish.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess, transforming a simple tomato sauce into something extraordinary.
Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese: Savory and salty, these cheeses add depth and a beautiful tanginess, both in the sauce and on top.
Fresh basil: Herbaceous and fresh, basil pops in every bite, especially as a finish.
Whole milk mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melting cheese, delivering those dreamy, gooey pools everyone loves in a baked pasta.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it’s just barely al dente, about 7 minutes. This little trick is key — the noodles should be slightly underdone, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven and soak up even more flavor. Drain and return the pasta to the pot, ready for all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Get the Oven Ready

Before you dive into making the sauce, preheat your oven to 425°F to guarantee a golden, bubbling top. Place your oven rack in the middle so every layer bakes evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook it, stirring and breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s cooked through with crispy edges and aromatic flavors, transfer the sausage to a plate. Drain most of the fat from the pan, leaving just enough to cook the garlic, or add a splash of olive oil if needed.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

Lower the heat and toss in your minced garlic, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown, just softens. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes, and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and come alive with the perfectly balanced sweet and spicy notes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese (and All the Good Stuff!)

Stir in the heavy cream for richness, along with a good helping of grated pecorino Romano, the cooked sausage, and plenty of fresh basil. Now, pour this glorious, creamy sausage sauce over your pot of noodles and gently stir so every piece of pasta gets coated.

Step 6: Layer the Baked Ziti

Spoon half the pasta mixture into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish, and sprinkle it evenly with half the shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining pecorino Romano. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then top with more mozzarella and the rest of your pecorino Romano. Layering means every spoonful has the ideal balance of cheesiness and saucy pasta.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden cheese layer on top and those delicious crispy edges everyone loves. Finish with a shower of fresh basil for color and freshness before serving up steaming helpings of classic Baked Ziti.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Baked Ziti with torn fresh basil for a burst of color and a touch of herbal freshness. A little extra grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano scattered on top just before serving adds a salty punch and a professional finish to your dish.

Side Dishes

Baked Ziti is incredibly filling but truly shines when paired with simple sides. Think garlic bread or a rustic loaf to mop up the extra sauce, along with a crisp green salad tossed with a tart vinaigrette. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini add balance and a pop of color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, present Baked Ziti in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. For gatherings, try a cast iron skillet or a colorful ceramic baking dish for that homey, eye-catching touch. Adding a drizzle of herbed olive oil just before serving elevates the whole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Baked Ziti cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. This is one of those dishes that tastes even better as the flavors meld together overnight!

Freezing

This recipe is ideal for freezing. Assemble the ziti (but don’t bake it yet), then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake it straight from the freezer—just add a little more cooking time and keep it covered with foil for the first part to prevent over-browning.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For a quick fix, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave, though the oven will preserve that irresistible bubbly top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have ziti?

Absolutely! While ziti gives the dish its name, penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives with similar hollow shapes that grab onto the sauce and cheese really well.

Is it possible to make Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for hearty, satisfying results without the meat.

What’s the difference between Baked Ziti and lasagna?

Baked Ziti is a layerless, pasta casserole featuring short noodles tossed in sauce and cheese, whereas lasagna involves layered sheets of pasta, ricotta, and distinct layers of filling. Both are delicious, but Baked Ziti is especially approachable and quick to assemble.

Can I prepare Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything a day before, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Why do I undercook the pasta before baking?

Par-cooking keeps the noodles from turning mushy as they continue to absorb sauce in the oven, ensuring the perfect, tender bite in your finished Baked Ziti.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about scooping into a bubbling, cheesy dish of Baked Ziti and sharing it with your loved ones. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen rotation — it’s simply that good!