Easy Baked Ziti
Get ready to create the ultimate comfort food masterpiece! This classic baked ziti recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a bubbling, cheese-laden dish of pure satisfaction.

With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and three types of melty cheese, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table fall silent with that first heavenly bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe hits all the right notes. The beauty lies in its perfect balance – the slight kick from Italian sausage, the creamy richness of ricotta, and that golden-brown mozzarella crust that forms on top.

Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to put together, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
So preheat that oven and get ready to create some serious kitchen magic. This isn’t just another pasta bake – it’s a hug in a casserole dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty baked ziti:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1/2 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 handful chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
You’ll love how simple these ingredients are! Most are pantry staples you might already have on hand. The Italian sausage adds tons of flavor, while the three cheeses make this dish extra creamy and gooey.
Don’t forget to grab some crusty bread to serve on the side. It’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. While it cooks, dice the onion. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until soft.

Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and water. Let the sauce simmer while you cook the pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for 7-8 minutes until tender. Drain and shake off excess water.

Mix ricotta, Italian cheese blend, and black pepper in a bowl.

Return the ziti to the pot and add 1 cup of sauce. Stir to coat.

Layer half the ziti in a 9×13″ baking dish. Top with dollops of half the cheese mixture and half the sauce. Repeat layers.

Sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Cover with foil, tenting slightly.


Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 5 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch closely!

Garnish with chopped parsley if you like. Your baked ziti is ready to serve!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this baked ziti recipe to suit your tastes. Try these swaps:
- Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or fusilli instead of ziti
- Meat: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles
- Cheese: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option
- Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce
For a spicier kick, mix in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies.
Want a creamier sauce? Stir in some heavy cream. For extra flavor, toss in fresh basil or oregano.
Here’s a quick guide to cheese swaps:
Original | Substitute |
---|---|
Ricotta | Cottage cheese |
Mozzarella | Provolone |
Italian blend | Parmesan + Romano |
Remember, these changes might affect cooking times slightly. Keep an eye on your dish as it bakes and adjust as needed.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best baked ziti, cook your pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it to avoid mushiness.
Don’t skip the broiling step! It gives your ziti a golden, crispy top that’s irresistible.
Try mixing up the cheeses. Provolone or Pecorino Romano can add extra flavor.
Make ahead tip: Assemble your ziti up to a day before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
To store leftovers, let the ziti cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
You can freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot throughout.
For single servings, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to keep it moist.