Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Oh wow, have you ever had one of those days where you just want a warm, cheesy, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I love this easy baked ziti recipe—it’s like a big, cozy hug in a dish. And guess what? It’s ridiculously simple to make!

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a chef’s skills to pull this off. Just pasta, sauce, cheese, and a little love—boom, dinner is served! Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd (or just yourself with plenty of leftovers).

Imagine pulling a bubbling dish of cheesy, saucy goodness out of the oven. The melted cheese stretches as you scoop, and the smell? Pure heaven. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going on your regular dinner rotation!

So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s make some baked ziti magic! Ready? Let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Delicious: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish easy to prepare.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: Bake now and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and hearty—everyone loves a warm serving of baked ziti.
• Versatile: Customize it with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

This recipe makes 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prep for the week.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly—no special skills required.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make baked ziti, you’ll need:

• Large pot: For boiling pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large skillet: To cook the sausage and sauce.
• Mixing bowls: For combining ricotta and cheese.
• Baking dish (9×13-inch): To assemble and bake the ziti.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring ingredients.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti

Here’s everything you need for this flavorful dish:

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 oz tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add ½ tablespoon salt to the boiling water—this helps season the pasta.
3. Add 1 lb ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and do not rinse—this helps the sauce cling to it better.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 lb ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Add 1 yellow onion, finely diced, and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Stir in 3 oz tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in flavor.
5. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes and ½ cup water to loosen the sauce.
6. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well.
7. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine:
   • 15 oz ricotta cheese
   • 1 cup Italian cheese blend (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
   • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for extra flavor)
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
3. In the dish, add half of the cooked pasta.
4. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta, spreading evenly.
5. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce in small spoonfuls.
6. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta → remaining meat sauce → remaining ricotta mixture.
7. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

How to Bake and Serve Easy Baked Ziti

5. Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Place the dish on the middle rack of the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
3. Bake for 25 minutes covered.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
5. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs well with simple sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

• With a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with Italian dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make great side options.
• A Light Soup: Serve with a bowl of minestrone or tomato soup for a comforting meal.

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti

Storing Leftovers

• In the Refrigerator: Store baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed.
• From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as directed above.

Variations for Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a versatile dish that can be customized based on your preferences. Here are some variations you might love:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Meat Lover’s Ziti: Mix ground beef, Italian sausage, and pancetta for a richer, heartier dish.
• Three-Cheese Blend: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of Parmesan and provolone on top for a deeper, gooier cheese pull.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta bakes in the oven, slightly undercook it before baking to avoid mushy ziti.
• Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase bake time by 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the baked ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving helps it hold its shape when scooped.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	48g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	55mg
Fiber	4g
Sodium	780mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Easy Baked Ziti FAQs

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta before baking. If reheating, add a splash of water or sauce before warming it up.

4. Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese or mascarpone work well for a different texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Easy baked ziti is a classic, comforting dish that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing meals for the week, or just craving a cheesy pasta dish, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Try it today and enjoy a rich, hearty meal with minimal effort.