If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort pasta, this Cheesy Baked Ziti is the perfect choice. Packed with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is warm, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra cheesy and comforting
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great make-ahead dinner option
- Kid-friendly and family approved
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) box ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef sausage (halal replacement for Italian sausage)
- 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well so it’s fully coated with the sauce.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Smooth the ricotta cheese, then drop spoonfuls evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the Cheesy Baked Ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
- Add chopped fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for deeper cheesy flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- This dish is excellent for potlucks and family dinners.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 24g
FAQ
Can I make Cheesy Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
What pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni works just as well.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Mix a little mozzarella directly into the ricotta layer.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the beef sausage or replace it with sautéed vegetables.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze tightly covered for 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1-pound box ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound beef sausage halal replacement for Italian sausage
- 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 8-ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the beef sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix well so it’s fully coated with the sauce.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Smooth the ricotta cheese, then drop spoonfuls evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
- Finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the Cheesy Baked Ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- This dish is excellent for potlucks and family dinners.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. With layers of sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.