Name: Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb of beef sausage; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup finely chopped white onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper; 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lb ziti or penne pasta; 1 cup Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese; 1 cup of freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese (or a plant-based Parmesan alternative)

Baked ziti is one of those classic comfort dishes that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with bold, savory flavors, making it a favorite for cozy dinners at home or even a potluck crowd-pleaser. What makes this version stand out? The combination of beef sausage, aromatic spices, creamy ricotta, and gooey Parmesan cheese bakes together into the perfect medley of textures and tastes. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this baked ziti will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me—this dish is worth every cheesy bite!

The time I discovered the magic of baked ziti 🧀

The first time I made baked ziti, I was hosting a casual dinner for friends. It was one of those evenings where you want to keep things simple but still impress. I’d never baked pasta before (weird, right?), so I was a bit nervous about whether it would turn out. The whole kitchen smelled like garlic, basil, and rich tomato sauce as it baked, and I remember the way the cheese bubbled and browned in the oven—it was pure magic! When I served it, everyone was silent at first, then came the inevitable, “This is amazing!” That moment of watching people enjoy something you’ve cooked is exactly why I love recipes like this. Now, baked ziti is my go-to for any gathering where I want to keep the vibe cozy but deliciously satisfying.

A little history on baked ziti (and how it’s evolved)

Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American classic with roots in southern Italy. Traditionally, “ziti al forno” (baked ziti) is a dish made for celebrations, layered with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and often baked with meat or vegetables. Over time, it became a household staple in the U.S., especially for Sunday dinners and gatherings. What I love about baked ziti is how adaptable it is—every family seems to have its own version. Whether it’s made with different cheeses, vegetarian ingredients, or spicy sausages, baked ziti proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something truly comforting and delicious.

Let’s talk ingredients: What makes this ziti shine?

Every ingredient in baked ziti plays a key role, and here’s why:

Beef sausage: Adds savory, rich flavor to the dish and pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce. If you’re out of sausage, try ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté the veggies and sausage, infusing the dish with a lovely, subtle richness.
White onion, garlic, and red bell pepper: This trio builds the foundation of flavor. The onion and garlic add sweetness, while the bell pepper provides a touch of freshness and color.
Herbs and spices: Dried parsley, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes create a bold, aromatic sauce that feels like it simmered all day.
Ziti (or penne): The backbone of the dish! Both pasta shapes work perfectly, trapping all that saucy goodness in their tubes. Can’t find ziti? Fusilli or rigatoni will do the trick.
Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: The star of the creamy layers. For a lighter option, you can swap this with cottage cheese or a plant-based ricotta.
Vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese: Provides that irresistible golden topping. Make sure to choose freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, or use a plant-based Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need (and what you can skip)

To make baked ziti, you’ll need just a handful of kitchen tools:

A large saucepan: Perfect for cooking the sausage and sauce all in one pot. If you don’t have a saucepan, a deep skillet will work too.
A large pot for pasta: Make sure it’s big enough so your ziti cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
A 9×13 inch casserole dish: This size is just right for layering the pasta and sauce. If you’re making a smaller portion, you can use an 8×8 dish instead.
A wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for breaking up the sausage and stirring the sauce.
Cheese grater: If you’re using fresh Parmesan, don’t skip grating it yourself—the flavor is so much better!

Step-by-step: How to make baked ziti (with tips!)

Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, gather all your ingredients and tools to make the process smooth.
Cook the sausage and veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the beef sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Toss in the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Stir until the sausage is cooked through and the veggies are softened—about 8-10 minutes.
Season and simmer: Add the parsley, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti just until al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain the pasta and toss it with a ladle of the sauce.
Assemble the layers: Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish. Dot with half the ricotta cheese, then add the cooked pasta. Spoon the remaining ricotta over the pasta, pour on the rest of the sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Bake to perfection: Pop the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—it’ll help the layers hold together.

Variations you’ll want to try

Vegetarian version: Swap the beef sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
Gluten-free baked ziti: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan alternative is gluten-free.
Low-carb option: Replace ziti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter twist.
Seasonal veggies: Add roasted eggplant, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrients.
Spicy kick: Double the red pepper flakes or stir in a little Calabrian chili paste for a fiery flavor.

How to serve baked ziti like a pro

Presentation is key! Scoop generous servings onto plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a little crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top just before serving.

Perfect drinks to pair with it

Baked ziti pairs beautifully with refreshing beverages. A few of my favorites:

Sparkling water with lemon: Light and fizzy, it cuts through the richness.
Homemade iced tea: Brew a simple black or green tea and sweeten it lightly with honey.
Pomegranate spritzer: Mix pomegranate juice with sparkling water for a tart, bubbly drink.
Classic lemonade: Sweet, tangy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a spoonful of sauce or a splash of water before reheating.

Scaling the recipe for any occasion

Cooking for two? Halve the ingredients and use a smaller casserole dish. Feeding a crowd? Double everything and split the ziti into two 9×13 pans—it freezes beautifully, so you can bake one now and save the other for later.

Common issues and how to avoid them

Dry ziti: Make sure to reserve enough sauce for the top layer so it doesn’t dry out in the oven.
Overcooked pasta: Cook your ziti al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
Uneven cheese melting: Grate the Parmesan finely for even browning and gooeyness.

Give it a try—you’ll love it!

This baked ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Customize it, experiment with variations, and make it your own. I promise it’s the kind of dish that brings people together—so grab a fork and dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time to ensure it heats through evenly.

2. What’s the best way to freeze baked ziti?
Baked ziti freezes wonderfully! Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe casserole dish but don’t bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed, or bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the bake time.

3. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the beef sausage and opt for plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or even lentils for a hearty meat-free version. The flavors in the sauce and cheese are bold enough to carry the dish without the sausage.

4. Why is my baked ziti dry?
Dry baked ziti often happens when there’s not enough sauce. Be generous with your sauce layers and mix a little sauce into the pasta before assembling. If you reheat leftovers, add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.

Baked Ziti Recipe