Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s an easy, comforting Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound Ziti noodles
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground sweet or spicy sausage
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the Ziti noodles following the package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground sausage, breaking it into crumbles until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Add Cream and Spice: Stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper if using. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then let it simmer another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh basil to enrich the sauce.
- Assemble Bottom Layer: Spread half of the cooked Ziti noodles evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the sausage tomato sauce over the noodles and spread it evenly, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining noodles, top with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or fresh Italian parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to set the layers and avoid burns. Enjoy your hearty, creamy baked pasta!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper or adjust to taste.
- Cooking the noodles al dente is important since they will continue cooking in the oven and prevent mushiness.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- You can prepare the assembled casserole a day ahead; keep it covered in the fridge and bake before serving.
- Using fresh basil in the sauce and garnish adds bright herbal notes that complement the rich cheese and sausage.
