Save to Pinterest A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with a rich tomato sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and a golden layer of gooey mozzarella cheese.
I first served this baked ziti to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite for its hearty flavors and simple prep.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) ziti or penne pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic minced
- Tomato Sauce: 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 1 tsp sugar Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cheese: 250 g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese shredded 120 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese 40 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (plus extra for garnish)
- Other: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 in) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the sausage:
- Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage breaking it up with a spoon and cook until browned about 5 7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Add crushed tomatoes tomato paste oregano basil red pepper flakes (if using) sugar salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta sausage tomato sauce ricotta half the mozzarella half the Parmesan and parsley. Mix gently to combine.
- Assemble:
- Transfer half the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the rest of the pasta mixture then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest for 5 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a cozy meal filled with laughter and stories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Wine Pairings
Pairs well with a Chianti or Sangiovese wine to complement the rich flavors.
Variations
Add sautéed spinach or chopped bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or rigatoni can be substituted if ziti is unavailable without affecting the dish's texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.
- → What is the best way to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions, before assembling the dish.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- → What sides pair well with this baked pasta?
A crisp green salad and crusty bread complement the rich flavors and textures perfectly.