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Baked Ziti

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

A family-style pasta bake that combines savory meat sauce, a trio of cheeses, and baked perfection. Great for gatherings or meal prep!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:53:48 GMT
A warm plate of baked pasta smothered in a tomato sauce, topped with bubbling cheese and fresh herbs. Pin it
A warm plate of baked pasta smothered in a tomato sauce, topped with bubbling cheese and fresh herbs. | chefmelt.com
    Craving a cozy dinner that's way simpler than lasagna? Check out my favorite baked ziti! This warm, cheesy pasta packed with tasty meat and thick sauce has become the number one dinner request at my house. And guess what? You can fix it beforehand, stick it in the freezer, and enjoy a yummy meal whenever you want.

Why You'll Love This

    Imagine tender pasta soaked in scratch-made sauce with Italian sausage giving amazing taste in every mouthful. The cheese turns golden and crispy on top but stays super gooey inside. Adding fresh herbs really brightens everything up - I throw in tons of basil when it's growing in my yard.

Pasta Options

    No ziti at the grocery store? Don't worry! I've tried this with rotini, rigatoni, even penne - they're all fantastic. Just grab pasta that has little grooves and openings to catch all that yummy sauce. Different shapes bring their own special touch to the meal, but honestly, they're all super tasty.

Interesting Background

    Wanna know something cool about ziti? In Italy, it's actually party pasta typically served at wedding celebrations! That's why it comes in those smooth little tubes - the name actually means "bridegroom" or "bride." But you shouldn't wait for someone to get married to enjoy it - this pasta deserves a spot on your table any night.

Handy Pasta Secrets

    Here's a small tip I've figured out - after cooking, add a tiny splash of olive oil and mix your pasta before adding the sauce. This stops everything from clumping while you finish the other parts. Some people skip this part which is totally fine, but I find it makes putting everything together much smoother.

Sauce Matters

    The sauce can make or ruin this dish! Feel free to use store-bought sauce, homemade marinara, or even leftover pizza sauce. I usually cook big batches of sauce on weekends and freeze portions just for meals like this. Just remember to pick a sauce you truly enjoy - you'll taste it with every bite.
A cheesy baked pasta dish topped with herbs and served in a white dish. Pin it
A cheesy baked pasta dish topped with herbs and served in a white dish. | chefmelt.com

Stress-Free Cooking

    This dish is perfect for planning ahead! Need tomorrow's dinner sorted? Put it together, cover it up and stick it in the fridge - just cook it 15 minutes longer. Making extra for another day? Freeze it before or after cooking - both ways work great. Just remember if it's frozen uncooked, let it thaw overnight before baking. Already cooked? You can warm it straight from frozen - just keep it wrapped in foil until it's hot throughout - about 45 minutes usually does the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this dish beforehand?

Absolutely. Put it together and refrigerate it, or freeze for later without baking.

→ Can I substitute the pasta?

Definitely! Penne or any small, tube-shaped pasta will give a similar result.

→ What meat gives the best taste in this recipe?

Italian sausage is packed with flavor, but ground pork or beef are great swaps.

→ What other kinds of cheese can I use?

You could swap Pecorino instead of Parmesan but stick with ricotta and mozzarella.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

It’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Baked Ziti

A luscious pasta dish with ziti, gooey cheese, and plenty of flavorful sausage, baked in a rich tomato blend. Soul-soothing goodness.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 450 grams of penne or ziti pasta.
02 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
03 500 grams of ground meat or French sausage.
04 4 garlic cloves, diced.
05 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes.
06 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped.
07 Salt and pepper to your taste.
08 2 tablespoons of Italian herbs (mix thyme, oregano, etc.).
09 500ml of marinara or tomato sauce.
10 1 tablespoon of olive oil or sunflower oil.
11 120 grams of Parmesan, freshly grated.
12 250 grams of ricotta cheese.
13 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or basil to add aroma.

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven warmed to 175°C.

Step 02

Boil your pasta in salty water until it's just tender enough (al dente).

Step 03

Heat oil in a big pan, then brown the sausage or meat.

Step 04

Throw in the onions and sauté until they soften.

Step 05

Add garlic, the herbs, chili, and the sauce, mixing it all together.

Step 06

In a casserole dish, start layering: sauce, ricotta, then pasta—repeat as needed.

Step 07

Finish it up by sprinkling the leftover cheese on top.

Step 08

Pop it into the oven for around 20 minutes, or until the top goes golden.

Step 09

Before serving, let the dish cool for 10 minutes.

Notes

  1. You can prepare this in advance.
  2. This meal keeps well in the freezer.
  3. Perfect for entertaining large groups.
  4. Switch up the type of pasta or meat to make it your own.

Tools You'll Need

  • One 9x13 baking dish.
  • A big cooking pot.
  • A wide sauté pan.
  • A strainer for the pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (three kinds of cheese).
  • Wheat is present (from the pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 557
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 30 g