Description
This ultimate baked ziti recipe combines authentic Italian flavors with American comfort food sensibilities, delivering restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. The strategic layering of creamy ricotta, savory Italian sausage, and perfectly melted cheese creates a harmony that satisfies both casual weeknight dinners and special occasion gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp white sugar
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley and/or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil salted water for pasta.
- Cook ziti 2-3 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown sausage and onion in a pot, 7-10 minutes, breaking apart meat.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce. Spread half in 9×13 dish.
- Dollop ricotta across the pasta, then top with remaining pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella. Bake uncovered 20 minutes until bubbly, then broil briefly for golden crust.
Notes
Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness. Taste and season sauce before layering. Allow ziti to rest 10 minutes before serving for clean slices and optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta casserole, comfort food, Italian-American recipes, cheesy pasta bake