Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, savory Italian sausage tomato sauce, creamy cheese layers, and fresh basil, all baked to bubbly golden perfection. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti noodles
Meat and Sauce
- 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage (or removed from casings)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese), divided
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti noodles and cook for about 7 minutes until very al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot; set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the pan and cook, breaking apart gently, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon.
- Make Sauce: Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan (add olive oil if needed). Over low heat, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until soft but not browned. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, ⅓ cup pecorino Romano, cooked sausage, and chopped basil until evenly combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the sauce and sausage mixture into the pot with pasta and gently stir to combine.
- Layer Casserole: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and half the remaining pecorino Romano (1½ tablespoons). Add remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and pecorino.
- Bake: Place baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Whip up this easy, crowd-pleasing baked ziti recipe—it’s perfect for cozy weeknights yet special enough for company.
- It’s an absolute superstar at potlucks or family gatherings.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage and adjust red pepper flakes to taste.
- Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it cooks perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 613 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 913 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 111 mg
