Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish popular for its delicious combination of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. This hearty and flavorful meal can be made with various ingredients like ground beef, sausage, or vegetables, making it a versatile and customizable option for any occasion.
Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or make a cozy meal for your family, baked ziti is a perfect choice. In this recipe, we'll go through the step-by-step process of making this crowd-pleasing dish with a few tips to take it to the next level.
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a popular dish made with ziti pasta and a tomato-based sauce. It's a type of baked pasta. Normally, the pasta is cooked separately until it is almost done. Then, the almost-cooked pasta is combined with a tomato-based sauce. The tomato-coated pasta is topped with cheese, typically a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Other ingredients, such as minced beef, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, can be used in addition to the cheese. Finally, the mixture is put in a baking dish, covered with mozzarella cheese, cooked, and served.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Pasta: I use ziti pasta, but you can use any pasta you like.
- Kosher Salt: To enhance the dish's overall flavor.
- Extra virgin oil: It adds depth and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: It helps to balance the acidity of the fresh onion and tomatoes.
- Fresh Garlic & Yellow Onion: It helps enhance the flavor and adds texture.
- Can crushed tomatoes: You can also use one 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes with their juices, pulsed in a food processor with a steel blade until roughly chopped (longer processing will aerate the tomatoes, turning them pink.) or crushed by hand. Finely chopped fresh tomatoes (about 10/3 cups) can also be used, but you must cook them for a little longer, approximately 45 minutes, or until the desired consistency is reached.
- Sugar: I like to add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to reduce the acidity and make it more balanced, but this is optional.
Tools you'll need
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Large wooden spoon
- Cooking tongs
How to Make Baked Ziti
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 °F and set the rack in the middle position. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and saute until it starts to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the mushrooms toss well, and saute for about 5 minutes, then turn down to medium heat as the mushrooms develop some color and the water evaporates. Add the crushed tomato, sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes. Add the heavy cream, ⅓ cup of the shredded Parmesan, and cilantro to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
Carefully pour the mixture of the nonstick skillet into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared 13 x 18-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining Parmesan. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the mozzarella and shredded Parmesan. Transfer the Baked Ziti to the oven and bake, uncovered, until it is completely heated through and the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more cilantro and serve.
Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use any pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Meat: If you don't eat meat, skip it or use a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu. You can also use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or sausage.
- Cheese: If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese, soy cheese, or nutritional yeast. You can also use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
- Vegetables: You can add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Some options include spinach, kale, zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. You can also use canned or frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren't available.
- Sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream or use a white sauce instead of a tomato-based one. Add more herbs or spices like oregano, basil, or thyme for flavor.
Variations
- Meatless baked ziti: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You can also use a meat alternative like TVP or crumbled tofu.
- Chicken and broccoli baked ziti: Add diced cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the tomato sauce before baking.
- Sausage and peppers baked ziti: Use Italian sausage and add sliced bell peppers and onions to the tomato sauce before baking.
- Three-cheese baked ziti: Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese for a rich and creamy dish.
- Spinach and feta baked ziti: Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the tomato sauce before baking.
- Mexican-style baked ziti: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning, and add canned black beans and corn to the tomato sauce. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro before baking.
How to Serve
- Serve it as a main dish: Baked ziti can be a complete meal. Serve it hot from the oven with a side salad and garlic bread for a satisfying dinner.
- Serve it as a side dish: Baked ziti can also be served as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with dishes like chicken parmesan or eggplant parmesan.
- Serve it for lunch: Leftover baked ziti makes a great lunch option. Reheat it in the microwave or oven and enjoy it with fresh fruit or a small green salad.
- Serve it at a potluck: Baked ziti is a perfect dish to bring to a potluck or a party. It's easy to transport and can be served at room temperature or reheated in the oven. Make a big batch and watch it disappear quickly!
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label it with the date and contents in a freezer-safe container if you're freezing it.
To reheat: Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy as baked in the oven. To reheat individual portions in the microwave, place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated. Make sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Make-Ahead
To make ahead, prepare the recipe as directed, but stop before baking it in the oven. Instead, let it cool to room temperature, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C), uncover the baking dish, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Freeze
To freeze baked ziti, prepare the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Label the container with the date and contents and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, let the baked ziti thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed in the recipe.
Alternatively, you can bake it directly from frozen, but you'll need to add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and cover the dish with foil for the first half to prevent it from drying out.
Tips for Making The Best Baked Ziti
- Cook the pasta until it's very al dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the sauce and the oven, so you don't want it to be fully cooked when you add it.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce: If you don't have time to make your own, use a high-quality store-bought sauce you like. Look for a sauce that has simple ingredients and doesn't have added sugar or preservatives.
- Use a mix of cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, giving the baked ziti a creamy and flavorful texture. You can also add other types of cheese, like fontina or gouda, for extra flavor.
- Add some herbs and spices: Dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes add depth and flavor to the tomato sauce. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for a pop of freshness.
- Let it rest before serving: Letting the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving will help the cheese set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Customize it to your liking: Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or spices to make it your own. Baked ziti is a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit your taste preferences.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can use any pasta you like in baked ziti. Ziti is traditional, but you can use penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any other short pasta.
Can I make baked ziti without meat?
You can make a meatless version of baked ziti or use a meat alternative like TVP or crumbled tofu.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can use different types of cheese depending on your preference or dietary restrictions. Some options include vegan cheese, cheddar cheese, or fontina cheese.
The sauce is too thin. What should I do?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce and thicken it. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken the sauce without significantly altering the flavor.
My ziti noodles turned out overcooked. How can I prevent this?
To prevent overcooked noodles, cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This way, they will finish cooking to al dente perfection when baked in the oven.
My cheese isn't browning in the oven. How can I achieve a golden crust?
Place the dish under the broiler for the last couple of minutes of baking to achieve a golden crust on the cheese. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Recipe
Easy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti noodles
- 796 g ( 7 sausage links) Spicy or sweet pork sausage, casing removed, broken into bite-size chunks
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 red pepper or poblano pepper , chopped
- 1 yellow onion , chopped
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Indian red chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes , to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper , to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cilantro , chopped plus more for garnishing
- 8 oz ( about 2 cups) whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cooking spray or butter , for baking dish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and add the pasta back to the pot. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425 °F and set the oven rack in the middle position. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the mushroom and toss well and saute for about 5 minutes, then turn down to medium heat as the mushrooms begin to develop some color and the water from them evaporates. Add the crushed tomato, sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes. Add the heavy cream, ⅓ cup of the shredded Parmesan, and cilantro to the pan; stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
- Carefully pour the mixture of the nonstick skillet into the large pot with the pasta and gently stir to combine. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared 13 x 18-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining shredded Parmesan. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and shredded Parmesan. Transfer the Baked Ziti to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the completely heated through and cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with more cilantro and serve.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.