Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this one! If you’ve ever craved the comforting goodness of a cheesy, saucy pasta bake that’s both hearty and soul-warming, then this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely love how this dish turns out every single time — gooey cheese, rich marinara, perfectly cooked pasta — it’s just a flavor party in your mouth. Keep reading because I’m going to share all my insider tips so your baked ziti comes out perfectly cheesy and delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this cheesy baked ziti, I rely on simple, flavorful ingredients that marry perfectly to create that classic Italian-American taste. I always recommend using good-quality marinara and fresh cheese, because it really elevates the dish without any extra fuss.

• Ziti pasta: I used ziti rigati for its ridges that hold onto sauce beautifully, but penne works just as well.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and balancing flavors.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Onion: Finely diced, it softens nicely and adds natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that classic aromatic punch.
• Bulk Italian sausage: I prefer mild, but spicy works if you like a little heat.
• Marinara sauce: Look for a flavorful, chunky sauce; homemade or store-bought both work!
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the whole dish together.
• Ricotta cheese: Makes the texture luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• Mozzarella cheese: The star of the show for melt and gooeyness.

Variations

I always encourage you to make this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe your own! Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that really keep things interesting, and I bet you’ll love experimenting too.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers for an equally hearty dish I made when friends came over who prefer meatless meals.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give it some heat — my husband loves it when I do this!
• Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for added nutrition and flavor. I usually sneak in greens to get the kids to eat their veggies.
• Lower fat option: Use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella to lighten it up without sacrificing much cheesy goodness.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Just Right

Bring about 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil with a tablespoon of salt — this seasons the pasta from the inside out. When you add the ziti, give it a good stir to prevent sticking. Be sure to cook it until it’s just al dente — meaning it still has a slight bite because it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta is a bummer in baked dishes, trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way! Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base and Cook the Sausage

While the pasta’s cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent — about 5 minutes — which really builds that sweet, savory foundation. Then toss in the minced garlic for just a minute; too long and garlic can get bitter. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until just browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat for a lighter dish, then return the meat and onions to the pan.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Toss with Pasta

Pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper each to your taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes — this lets the flavors marry beautifully. Fold in the cooked pasta, making sure every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. It’s already looking delicious, isn’t it?

Step 4: Layer Your Ziti Like a Pro

Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Spoon about half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the bottom. Now here’s my favorite part — take the ricotta, stir it in the container until smooth and creamy, then dollop it evenly on top. Next, sprinkle all the parmesan cheese and half the mozzarella over the ricotta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella. It’s like building a cheesy masterpiece.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese has fully melted and bubbly. Here’s a little secret — if you love that bubbly, golden brown top, peel back the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Once done, let the baked ziti sit for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A little extra grated parmesan on the side never hurts either, especially for Parmesan lovers!

Side Dishes

Cheesy baked ziti is pretty filling, so keep sides fresh and light. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic Caesar salad balances the richness wonderfully. I’ve also served it with garlic bread or warm crusty rolls to sop up every last bit of sauce — comfort overload guaranteed!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make individual portions in small ramekins—perfect for serving guests with their own perfectly cheesy personal ziti. Another time, I baked it in a cast iron skillet for rustic presentation that works beautifully for casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy baked ziti is fantastic! I usually store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight. Just cover it well to keep the pasta from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times without issue! Just let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or divide into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months—perfect for batch cooking and saving time on busy nights.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover leftovers with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine too—just cover loosely and stir halfway to heat evenly. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps keep it juicy and melty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. I love how customizable it is and how it fills the kitchen with those enticing, comforting aromas while it bakes. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this baked ziti is straightforward, reliably delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it!

Print