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Baked Ziti

Featured in: Comfort in Every Bowl

This baked ziti is the ultimate Italian comfort food, combining al dente pasta with savory Italian sausage in a rich tomato cream sauce. What makes it special is the blend of three cheeses - pecorino Romano adds sharp flavor, mozzarella creates those irresistible cheese pulls, and a touch of heavy cream brings everything together. The pasta gets layered with the sauce and cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly. You can make it ahead and freeze it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese.
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sana kitchen chef
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:47:52 GMT
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Cheesy Baked Ziti | recipebyme.com

Experience the ultimate Italian-American comfort food with this luxurious Baked Ziti recipe. Each forkful delivers perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, sausage-studded tomato sauce and blanketed with molten cheese. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of flavors that'll make any dinner feel special.

I discovered the secret to perfect baked ziti during a cooking class in Little Italy - letting the pasta stay slightly firm before baking makes all the difference in the final texture.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Ziti: Look for high-quality pasta with ridges to grip the sauce
  • Italian Sausage: A mix of sweet and hot creates perfect balance
  • Mozzarella: Fresh whole milk variety, shredded by hand
  • Pecorino Romano: Adds sharp, salty depth that Parmesan can't match
  • Crushed Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide the richest flavor

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect Your Pasta
Use abundantly salted water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Test pasta 2 minutes before package time. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Develop the Sauce
Brown sausage until golden for flavor depth. Let garlic become fragrant but not brown. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened. Add cream gradually while stirring.
Step 3: Master the Assembly
Layer while components are still warm. Distribute cheese evenly for consistent melting. Press down gently to remove air pockets. Save best-looking cheese for the top.
Step 4: Achieve Baking Perfection
Position rack in center of oven. Watch for bubbling edges and golden top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

My Italian grandmother insisted on measuring cheese with your heart, not a measuring cup - a tradition I happily continue with this recipe.

The Secret to Perfect Layers

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Best Cheesy Baked Ziti | recipebyme.com

Getting each layer of ziti just right transforms this from a good pasta dish to an extraordinary one. I've learned that creating defined layers isn't just about aesthetics - it ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of pasta, sauce, and cheese. When each component is thoughtfully placed, the flavors meld together while maintaining their distinct characters.

Make-Ahead Magic

  • Assemble up to 48 hours before baking
  • Prepare extra sauce to refresh leftovers
  • Double the recipe and freeze one for later
  • Make individual portions in ramekins

Common Troubleshooting

  • If sauce is too thin, simmer longer before assembly
  • If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil
  • If pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water to sauce
  • If cheese isn't browning, broil for final 2 minutes

Health Benefits

Lycopene-rich tomatoes support heart health. Protein-packed dish keeps you satisfied. Calcium from cheese strengthens bones. Herbs provide antioxidants.

My family has a tradition of making this for Sunday dinners. The aroma of it baking brings everyone to the kitchen, creating precious moments of togetherness.

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Close-up Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've learned that great baked ziti is about patience - letting flavors develop in the sauce, taking time with the assembly, and allowing it to rest before serving. Whether it's a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this dish has a way of bringing people together, creating memories one cheesy, comforting bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
→ What's the best way to freeze baked ziti?
Assemble the dish completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
→ Why cook the pasta al dente?
The pasta continues cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly undercooked pasta prevents it from getting mushy in the final dish.
→ Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella gives the best melty texture, you can swap pecorino Romano for Parmesan, or try other hard Italian cheeses.
→ What's the best type of sausage to use?
Both sweet and spicy Italian sausage work great - use sweet for milder flavor or spicy for some heat. Make sure to remove the casings if using link sausage.
→ Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers work well. Just cook them before adding to the pasta mixture.

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

A hearty baked ziti packed with Italian sausage, three kinds of cheese, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Pure comfort food at its finest.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Pasta Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta & Meat

01 1 pound ziti noodles
02 1½ pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed if needed

→ Sauce Base

03 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
04 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
05 1 teaspoon salt
06 1½ teaspoons sugar
07 ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
08 1 cup heavy cream

→ Cheese & Herbs

09 ⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
10 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella, shredded (about 2 cups)
11 ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Get a large pot of water boiling and add plenty of salt. Cook the ziti just until very al dente, about 7 minutes - it'll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and pop it back in the pot.

Step 02

Get your oven heating to 425°F. Make sure your rack is in the middle position.

Step 03

Brown the sausage in a large pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes. Move the sausage to a plate. Keep a tablespoon of the fat in the pan (or use olive oil if needed), then cook the garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Stir the cream, ⅓ cup pecorino, cooked sausage, and basil into your sauce. Pour this over your cooked pasta and mix it all together gently. Layer half in a 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and pecorino, then repeat layers.

Step 05

Bake uncovered until the cheese gets all melty and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  1. You can prep this up to 2 days ahead - just cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake covered at 425°F for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes more.
  2. Want to freeze it? It'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large sauté pan (non-stick preferred)
  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Slotted spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, multiple cheeses)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 613
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 25 g