Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta combined with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and Italian sausage, layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbling perfection and topped with fresh herbs, it’s a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
Sauce & Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Cheeses
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the upper third. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Onion: In another pot, add the Italian sausage meat and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and white sugar. Stir well and let the sauce heat through gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Layer Pasta – Bottom: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish as the bottom layer.
- Add Ricotta Layer: Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese over the bottom layer, distributing it loosely without worrying about neatness.
- Layer Pasta – Top: Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta, creating an even top layer without stirring.
- Add Cheeses on Top: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top layer of pasta.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly throughout.
- Broil to Brown: Switch the oven to broil and watch closely as the cheese browns and becomes golden, enhancing flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and/or basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Using fresh herbs like basil and parsley adds brightness and a fresh finish to the baked ziti.
- Cooking pasta slightly under the recommended time helps prevent overcooking when baked.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, Italian sausage pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe
