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This easy Baked Ziti recipe brings this classic family favorite to the next level. It combines noodles, meat sauce and cheese in the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe!
Today’s recipe is always a family favorite. And not just my family! I have taken this dish to lots of family’s when someone was sick or had a new baby and it is always a big hit. After they enjoy their dinner, they always request the recipe. It is also a delicious dish to make for company.
You will love how easy it is to make this delicious baked ziti. Double the recipe and share with a neighbor. They will love it too.
I like to add spinach and pesto. The pesto gives it a wonderful flavor and the spinach balances out the meal nicely.
Ingredients Needed
- Italian Sausage. I use a mild Italian sausage but you could also use hot. You could also use ground beef or ground turkey if you prefer.
- Onion. Yellow or white onion.
- Garlic
- Tomatoes. I use petite diced canned tomatoes.
- Pesto
- Ziti Noodles. Or whatever type of pasta you like. I like to use a tubular shaped pasta so the sauce has something to hold onto. Rigatoni or penne are my favorites.
- Baby Spinach
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
How to Make Baked Ziti
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
- Cook sausage, onion and garlic in a pan over medium high-heat in a large skillet until sausage is cooked through.
- Add tomatoes with juices,
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Add pesto and season sauce with salt and pepper.
- Bring mixture back to a simmer.
- Pour cooked pasta, spinach, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in large bowl.
- Stir in warm hot tomato mixture.
- Place in a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. I use olive oil spray.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over top of the ziti.
- Bake at 375 degrees F until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes.
Tips
- The sauce can be made the day before to speed up the process on a busy night.
- Cook your pasta al dente, so it is still a bit firm. It will continue to cook as the ziti bakes. It can also be cooked ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to use.
- This is a great recipe to double and freeze for later or share with a neighbor.
Pair This With:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover baked ziti?
Cover the leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Can also use an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
All the components are pretty much the same except lasagna uses lasagna noodles instead of a round pasta noodle. Lasagna is layered and baked ziti has all the ingredients tossed together and is quicker and easier to make in my opinion!
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it up to two days ahead of time and keep it covered, unbaked in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve. You will need to add on about 10-15 minutes additional baking time when baking right out of the refrigerator.
Check out more of my favorite pasta dishes:
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Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausages
- 1/2 cup chopped onion white or yellow
- 3 large garlic cloves chopped
- 1 28 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 10 ounces ziti or penne pasta about 3 cups, freshly cooked
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese grated or cubed
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente (still a bit firm). Drain
- Cook sausage, onion and garlic in a frying pan until is cooked through
- Add in tomatoes with juices
- Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes
- Add pesto. Season with salt and pepper if needed
- Season sauce with salt and pepper
- Preheat oven to 375° F.
- Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
- Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl.
- Stir in warm hot tomato mixture.
- Place in prepared baking dish
- Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over
- Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes
Tips & Notes:
- The sauce can be made the day before to speed up the process on a busy night.
- Cook your pasta al dente, so it is still a bit firm. It will continue to cook as the ziti bakes. It can also be cooked ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to use.
- This is a great recipe to double and freeze for later or share with a neighbor.
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Nutrition Facts:
Sharon says
This is the best! I added more pesto as my husband and I love it. Other than that variation I made it as is.
Sharon says
This is wonderful! Loved by everyone, my husband requests it often.
Sharon says
This is a definite winner, my husband and company love it.
Melanie says
Our very favorite family meal!!