There’s something magical about the aroma of baked pasta wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It takes me back to cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house, where the whole family would gather around the table, laughter mixing with the delicious smell of bubbling cheese. Baked ziti. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Trust me, when you take that first, gooey bite, all stress melts away.

This Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta recipe captures that same heartwarming essence as Grandma’s, but with a few of my own twists. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends when all you want is something comforting and delicious. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the delightful world of pasta perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight meals, ready in about 40 minutes!
• Budget-Friendly: Utilize everyday ingredients without breaking the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and downright satisfying.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious dish:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (you can substitute with ground turkey or veggies)
• 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought—no judgment here!)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese + extra for topping
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional, but so lovely!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Sit back, pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and let’s create this comforting masterpiece.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. (Don’t overcook it; it will cook a bit more in the oven!) Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Sausage: Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. (Feel free to drain excess fat if you like.)
4. Add the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix in the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
6. Add the Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked ziti until it is well coated with the cheesy, saucy goodness. (This is where the magic happens, my friend!)
7. Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of your baked ziti mixture, for that gooey, melty finish. (Who doesn’t love more cheese?)
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. (Your kitchen should smell divine right now!)

Pro Tips & Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your baked ziti. Here are some fun tweaks you can make:

• Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in some greens.
• Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different types of cheese; Fontina or Gouda add a lovely flavor twist!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep it friendly for those with dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving my baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. The crunch of the salad with the creaminess of the pasta just hits the spot! If you’re feeling extra cozy, grab a glass of red wine to pair with your dish (or even a nice sparkling water if you prefer). And don’t forget to save a little space for dessert—some warm chocolate chip cookies or a slice of cheesecake would round out the meal perfectly!

Storage Tips

This dish is a total keeper in terms of leftovers! Store any uneaten ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer! When ready to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) UNTIL heated through. You might want to sprinkle a bit of fresh cheese on top before reheating for that melty goodness all over again!

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whole dish a day ahead, just cover it with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is baked ziti better the next day?

Many people swear that baked ziti tastes even better the day after—it gives all the flavors time to meld together beautifully! Just reheat it gently in the oven, and you’re good to go!

What can I serve with baked ziti?

Some fabulous options include garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or even some roasted veggies. You could also serve it with a light soup if you’re feeling a bit fancy!

Can I use different types of pasta?

Of course! While ziti is classic, you can use any pasta shape you love—penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work wonderfully. Just adjust your cooking time based on the shape.

How do I make baked ziti vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and load up on veggies! You could use mushrooms for a meaty texture and add some chopped spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

I hope this Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta recipe brings a bit of warmth and happiness to your kitchen, just like it does in mine. Food has this incredible ability to connect us, to deliver comfort, and to create memories. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your own stories! Feel free to leave a comment below or let me know how you personalize your baked ziti. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, delightful bite!

Irresistible Baked Ziti Ultimate Cheesy Pasta Comfort Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this Baked Ziti recipeyour ultimate cheesy pasta dish for comfort Quick delicious and perfect for family dinners Enjoy every bite

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese + extra for topping

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Sausage: Push the onions and garlic to the side and add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.

Add the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Mix in the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Add the Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked ziti until it is well coated with the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Top It Off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of your baked ziti mixture, for that gooey, melty finish.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 calories
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, comfort food recipe, Italian recipe, easy meals