Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food and the perfect casserole to serve a crowd.
There are few dishes that capture the spirit of comfort quite like pasta. Add sausage, tomato sauce, and a generous topping of cheese, and you have something truly indulgent and crowd-pleasing to serve for dinner. Sure, there are endless ways to combine those ingredients together, but baked ziti is perhaps the most foolproof. It’s easy, inviting, and looks gorgeous set out on the table.
The flavors hit you in layers. You get a salty, savory element from the crumbled sausage, umami notes from the cheese, and a bright zip from the tomatoes that nicely contrast the heavier elements of the dish. It’s well-balanced despite its simplicity, and also easy to modify. Add different herbs (parsley, oregano), proteins (pancetta, ground turkey), or cheeses (burrata, Gorgonzola). Toss in some of your favorite roasted veggies. You could even fold in some béchamel sauce for added body.
As for the history of the dish, its exact origins are unclear, but baked ziti is thought to originate from Southern Italy. The word “ziti” comes from the Italian word “zita,” which means “bride.” This is a nod to the weddings and celebratory events where you’d often see ziti served. In the U.S., the dish is a hallmark of Italian-American practicality and is often served to friends and family gathered around the table. Either way, it’s a celebratory dish and a reminder that nothing unifies people quite like good food.
Tips for making the perfect baked ziti
Although it’s a fairly straightforward recipe, there are a few ways to ensure the dish is a true star. First, make sure that you are cooking the pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. It’s okay if it’s still a bit hard for your preferences; it’s going in the oven, where it will continue to cook for 20 minutes. If you have already overcooked it on the stovetop, it will turn into mush in the baking step.
Another optional tip is to add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom of your casserole dish before you assemble the rest of the pasta. This will help keep the noodles from sticking and ensure a smoother scoop.
Finally, I recommend you let the ziti sit for about 15 minutes after pulling it from the oven. Not only does this give the flavors a chance to meld a bit, but it will also make it less likely to fall apart when you dig in for a serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Let the ziti cool completely to avoid condensation forming in the storage container. You can either store it as is in the casserole dish or divide it up into smaller portions, which will make reheating a simpler task. Either way, put your leftovers in an airtight container or wrap well in foil or cling wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you don’t plan on eating the ziti within that time, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then warm it up in the oven at 350°F until the cheese starts to bubble.
Serving suggestions
Baked ziti makes for a fantastic main in an Italian-inspired spread. Start out with some Antipasto Skewers as an appetizer. When you’re ready to sit down, serve some Garlic Breadsticks and an elegant Arugula Caprese Salad With Lemon-Basil Dressing as the first course, before moving on to the baked ziti. Finally, end the meal with a classic Tiramisu for something sweet.
Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 Italian sausage crumbled
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup mozzarella shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the chopped onions for 2 minutes. Add the sausage and sprig of rosemary to the pan and brown the meat well.
- Once the meat is browned, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce and half of the ricotta cheese. Combine well, then add the cooked pasta and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Stir until the pasta is coated with the sauce and remove the sprig of rosemary.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a casserole pan, then top with the remaining ricotta cheese. Add the other half of the pasta mixture and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the ziti pasta in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes to cool. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy.
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