Baked Ziti Pasta
Baked Ziti is a hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta layered with savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Topped with Parmesan and baked to perfection, it offers warm, cheesy flavors perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. A comforting dish with rich, savory notes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. ziti pasta ⓘ
- 12 oz. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 15 oz. Ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, spaghetti sauce, cooked Italian sausage, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, dried basil, dried oregano, parsley flakes, ground pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using sweet Italian sausage or adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix. You can substitute penne for ziti if needed. Additionally, fresh herbs can enhance the dish; consider using fresh basil or parsley instead of dried. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce to simplify the process.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables. Consider offering a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for added freshness. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. Adding a splash of water can help keep the pasta moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti Pasta contains roughly 451 calories, with 26g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the baked ziti in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to cook, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, increasing the baking time.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you're out of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as a substitute. For a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).