Best Baked Ziti Recipe

I recently prepared my Homemade Ziti Recipe using ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and a rich marinara sauce paired with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. I mixed in diced onion, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, resulting in a hearty dish that brings together all the classic flavors I love.

I’ve been perfecting this best baked ziti recipe for a while now and every time i make it, it surprises me with its simplicity and bold flavors. I start with 1 lb of ziti pasta boiled in salted water, then toss in ingredients like diced onions and minced garlic sautéed in olive oil.

I use either Italian sausage or ground beef, adding a kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes, and then mix everything with 4 cups of marinara sauce that gives the dish a homemade touch you’ll find in the best Italian ziti recipes. I then blend in creamy ricotta mixed with lightly beaten eggs, and finish off layering generously shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

I like sprinkling chopped basil at the end for an extra burst of freshness. Trust me, this make ahead baked ziti is a party hit that’s super cheesy and satisfying every single time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cuz its super cheesy and really comforting even on a rough day. I also love how the sausage and marinara sauce come together to create a deep, satisfying flavor that makes me feel all homely. Another reason is that its easy to make ahead of time so I can have it ready for any special occasion or when unexpected guests drop by. Plus, that fresh basil sprinkled on top just adds a perfect pop of brightness that makes each bite a little extra special.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta is essential, providing energy filled carbs and a hearty satisfying base.
• Italian sausage gives protein and savory flavor.

  It spices up the dish with kick.

• Garlic adds a punch of aroma and flavor.

  It provides antioxidants and a gentle warmth.

• Ricotta is creamy and light.

  It adds protein and mild sweetness balancing bold flavors.

• Mozzarella melts perfectly, adding gooey texture and rich flavor.

  Its creaminess ties all ingredients together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• Salt for boiling water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef if you like)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Extra salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bring a big pot of water to a boil with a good pinch of salt. Add the ziti pasta and cook it until it’s al dente then drain.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute the diced onion until it’s soft. Then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.

3. Add the Italian sausage (or ground beef, if you prefer) into the skillet and break it apart. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked then drain any excess fat.

4. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer in the skillet for a few minutes so the flavors mix together.

5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten eggs, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with some extra salt and pepper.

6. Mix the cooked ziti with the sauce and meat mixture and stir gently so the pasta is well coated.

7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Then dollop and lightly spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.

8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and then sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.

9. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top if you’re using it.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and just a bit browned. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large pot
3. Colander
4. Large skillet
5. Mixing bowl
6. Whisk or fork
7. Greased baking dish
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Measuring cups and spoons
11. Stirring spoon or spatula

FAQ

Best Baked Ziti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter twist to the dish
• If you dont have ricotta cheese, try cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture with a slight tang
• In place of marinara sauce, you could whip up a fresh tomato basil sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs
• If you cant find mozzarella, provolone or even a mix of provolone and Monterey Jack works pretty well
• For red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper can give you that extra heat if needed

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you do not overcook the pasta. Even if the instructions say to cook until al dente, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven later.
2. When cooking the sausage, brown it well and drain the fat properly. This way you get extra flavor without the dish feeling too greasy.
3. Mix the ricotta, eggs, and Parmesan really well and don’t be afraid to add a pinch of extra seasoning if you think it needs more kick.
4. Once the dish is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. Trust me, it makes the cheese settle better and helps when you are serving it up.