Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella
Cheesy Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. As a cozy weeknight meal, it beautifully marries delightful textures and rich flavors. The creamy ricotta pairs perfectly with bubbly mozzarella and hearty sausage. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this dish showcases Italian goodness and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
I vividly recall the first time I made this dish for my family. I wanted something simple yet satisfying, and Baked Ziti delivered on every front. The aroma wafting through the kitchen brought nostalgia, reminding me of gatherings around the dinner table filled with laughter and love. What’s not to love about layers of pasta, cheese, and a delicious sauce that warms your heart? I can’t wait for you to try this delectable recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With a prep time of just 35 minutes, you can have this dish in the oven and on the table in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich cheeses, and hearty marinara brings layers of delightful taste in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: It’s a festive dish that looks impressive served straight from the oven, with bubbling cheese and a golden crust.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or a cozy family meal, this dish fits any occasion, big or small.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and melted cheese are sure to make even picky eaters clean their plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The star of the dish, ziti holds the sauce well and offers a fantastic bite. You can substitute with penne if needed.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground: Adds a robust flavor. Opt for sweet or spicy, depending on your preference, or use turkey sausage as a lighter option.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Bring sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are perfect for this dish, but feel free to use shallots for a milder taste.
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped: Offers aromatic flavor and zest. Fresh garlic elevates the entire dish, but pre-chopped garlic can also be convenient.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade is fantastic if you have a favorite recipe. Look for traditional or organic varieties for better flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: This enriches the marinara base, making it heartier. You can use crushed tomatoes as a substitute for a chunkier texture.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for enhancing all other flavors. Adjust according to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that keeps the flavors authentic. If you have dried oregano, basil, and thyme on hand, feel free to mix your own.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds a creamy richness. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or omit it entirely for a tomato-based ziti.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty goodness to bind everything together. Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy layer on top. You can replace it with additional shredded mozzarella if necessary.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: A sharp finish that enhances the cheesy topping. Freshly grated works best, but pre-grated parmesan is a quick substitute.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, for serving: A hint of heat to be added at the end. Omit if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice.
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil: Brightness to contrast the richness. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but fresh is recommended for optimal flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position. This ensures even baking for that perfect bubbly top.
- Cook the ziti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions—about 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the sausage and vegetables: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground Italian sausage, diced yellow onion, and roughly chopped garlic. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and the onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat into a small bowl, discarding it.
- Combine the sauce ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream until everything is combined. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Fold in the ziti and cheese: Add the cooked ziti and 1½ cups shredded mozzarella into the sauce mixture, stirring gently until well coated.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top, followed by the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Bake the ziti: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors. After 20 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle with grated parmesan, and bake uncovered for about 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Serve it up: Once you pull it out of the oven, sprinkle it with red chili flakes and fresh basil before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers of your Cheesy Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbling. Keep in mind that the texture may change, so adding a splash of cream or milk can help revive the creaminess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente when you mix it with the sauce as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Bring your cream and cheese to room temperature for better melting when you stir them in.
- If you want more texture, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach before baking.
- Feel free to make this dish a day ahead! Just wait to bake until you’re ready to serve, but storing it uncooked allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For a more fragrant dish, sauté some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano with the garlic.
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a wonderful antidote to chilly fall nights. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to gather loved ones around the table and share a meal that’s full of warmth and joy. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, add a side salad or garlic bread, and enjoy every comforting bite with family and friends. Bon appétit!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini can work just as well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and consider adding sautéed veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Swap in a meat substitute if desired, or just load up on more cheeses and greens.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Definitely! You can assemble the ziti ahead of time, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
How can I make it creamy without using heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk with a bit of cream cheese or ricotta for added richness without the weight of heavy cream. Alternatively, just stick to your favorite tomato sauce for a lighter version.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Red Wine Bucatini with Pancetta
- Easy Asparagus Quiche with Gruyère
- Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Creamy White Bean Skillet Dinner
- Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a delightful dish featuring ziti pasta mixed with Italian sausage, marinara, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, its rich flavors and hearty texture make it a go-to comfort food that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound italian sausage, ground
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce, or homemade
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, for serving
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta.
- In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Mix well. Add the cooked ziti and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, and stir to combine.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with fresh mozzarella slices and the remaining shredded mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and return to the oven uncovered for about 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with chili flakes and fresh basil on top.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with ground mushrooms or plant-based meat.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
