Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella

Cheesy baked ziti is the kind of dish that can turn any simple weeknight into a cozy family gathering. With its layers of cheesy goodness, hearty sausage, and a rich marinara sauce, this Italian classic offers comfort in every bite. The crispy, bubbling mozzarella on top entices you to take that first forkful, and trust me, it’s hard to stop once you get started. Each forkful is a delightful mix of textures — the al dente ziti, the creamy ricotta, and the gooey mozzarella all harmoniously blend together.

I remember the first time I made baked ziti for my family. After a long week of work and errands, I craved something comforting yet easy to prepare. As the aromas filled my kitchen, my family’s reactions were priceless. Nothing beats that moment when you pull a cheesy, golden dish from the oven and hear those “oohs” and “aahs.” Whether you’re preparing for a casual dinner or a larger gathering, this cheesy baked ziti recipe is effortless and sure to be a hit. Don’t wait! Let’s dive right into this delicious dish.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella

1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting the oven to 375°F while placing the oven rack in the center position to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the ziti: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and sprinkle in some salt. Cook the ziti until al dente, following the package instructions for the best results, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Brown the sausage: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat, add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and roughly chopped garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the sausage as you stir, until it’s browned and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess fat into a small bowl and discard it.
4. Create the sauce: Add the jar of marinara sauce, the can of tomato sauce, sea salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir everything together until fully combined.
5. Combine with pasta: Stir in the cooked ziti and 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Add the cheese topping: Lay the thin slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the top and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
8. Uncover and finish baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese, and return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
9. Garnish and serve: Serve hot, sprinkled with red chili flakes and fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover baked ziti, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours, but for best results, refrigerate and use within 3-4 days. If you prefer to freeze it, pack it in a freezer-safe container, where it will stay good for up to three months. For reheating, place it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, adding a dash of cream or water to refresh the texture and avoid dryness.

Cheesy Baked Ziti is all about bringing warmth and joy to the table. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t break the bank, and always pleases a crowd. Try experimenting with different cheeses or add-ins like vegetables to make it your own. Whether you’re making this classic for a casual gathering or during a busy weeknight, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy each layer of flavor, and don’t forget to savor the moments spent around the table with your loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep your cheesy baked ziti a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will start cold.

What kind of pasta can I use besides ziti?

While ziti is traditional, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure to choose a shape that holds the sauce well.

How do I make baked ziti vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add extra ricotta cheese to enhance creaminess.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes beautifully! Assemble it in an airtight, freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when to use it. Reheat it from frozen if desired, adding additional time in the oven.

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📖 Recipe Card

Cheesy Baked Ziti | Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake with Ricotta & Mozzarella

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Cheesy Baked Ziti features a delightful blend of ziti pasta, Italian sausage, tangy marinara, and creamy cheeses, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center position.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente according to package directions. Drain well.
3. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage with the onion and garlic, breaking apart the meat, for about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream until well combined. Add the cooked ziti and 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella, mixing thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
6. Layer the top with fresh mozzarella slices and the remaining shredded mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, topped with red chili flakes and fresh basil.

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Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers and mushrooms.
Feel free to add more garlic for extra flavor or use a different cheese like provolone.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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