Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is hearty, cheesy, and packed with comforting Italian flavor. It's made with layers of pasta, savory Italian sausage, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, family gatherings, or when you want a no-fuss meal that feeds a crowd.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes roughly chopped
- A few sprigs of fresh basil
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, then drain and set aside.1 pound ziti pasta
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Stir in the onion and garlic and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until softened.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, ¼ cup diced onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Add the chopped tomatoes, basil sprigs, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the basil sprigs. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained ziti to the pot and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, A few sprigs of fresh basil, 1 cup water, Salt and black pepper
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.1 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a lightly golden top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of garlic bread or a salad!
Video
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Notes
- Pasta: Only cook the ziti until al dente, or even a little less. Otherwise it can get mushy in the oven.
- Cheeses: Can’t find mozzarella or parmesan? Try provolone or a little pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
- Other pasta types: Penne or rigatoni work just as well if you don’t have ziti noodles.
- Mix up the meat: You can use ground beef or even go half beef, half sausage if that’s what’s in the fridge.
- Meat-free: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Veggie boost: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped broccoli are great add-ins if you want more vegetables.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds just a little kick.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the whole dish, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- Casserole size: If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, split the mix between two smaller ones.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: To reheat, bae it in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 658mgPotassium: 301mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 168IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 208mgIron: 2mg
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