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Baked Ziti Close-up of baked ziti pasta with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato meat sauce, and fresh basil, served from a white baking dish with a wooden spoon

Baked Ziti

This comforting Baked Ziti is layered with savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: baked ziti, family dinner, pasta bake, sausage casserole
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 575kcal
Cost: $18

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta dry pasta that holds sauce well
  • 1 pound Italian sausage ground (mild or spicy based on preference)
  • 1 cup yellow onion diced (adds sweetness and depth)
  • 4 garlic cloves chopped (for aromatic flavor)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce adds extra richness to the base
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt enhances overall flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend of dried herbs
  • ½ cup heavy cream creates a creamy sauce texture
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for melting into the pasta
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced (for gooey topping)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated (adds salty sharpness)
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes optional garnish for heat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil minced (for fresh finishing flavor)

Instructions

  • Set the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, salt generously, and cook the ziti until just tender according to package directions, then drain well.
  • Place a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the sausage with the onion and garlic, breaking the meat apart, until browned and the onions are soft, then discard excess grease.
    Overhead view of tomato meat sauce topped with cream and dried Italian herbs in a dark pot on a white background
  • Stir in the marinara, tomato sauce, salt, Italian seasoning, and cream until smooth, then fold in the cooked pasta and 1½ cups of the shredded mozzarella.
    Overhead cooking process showing cooked ziti pasta, shredded mozzarella cheese, and tomato meat sauce arranged side by side in a pot
  • Spoon the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
    Top-down view of ziti pasta fully mixed with creamy tomato meat sauce in a rectangular baking dish before baking
  • Layer the fresh mozzarella slices and remaining shredded mozzarella on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and return to the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes until bubbly and melted.
    Overhead photo of baked ziti casserole with melted cheese, tomato meat sauce, and basil garnish in a white ceramic baking dish
  • Finish with red chili flakes and fresh basil before serving.

Notes

This baked ziti is all about comfort and nostalgia, filling the kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander in early. It’s a reliable classic for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want something warm and familiar. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Serving: 350g | Calories: 575kcal (29%) | Carbohydrates: 52g (17%) | Protein: 35g (70%) | Fat: 26g (40%) | Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 80mg (27%) | Sodium: 914mg (40%) | Potassium: 620mg (18%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 10mg (12%) | Calcium: 30mg (3%) | Iron: 20mg (111%)
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