There is something special about a warm dish of Baked Ziti Pasta. It’s a meal that makes you feel at home, wherever you are. When I think of this classic Italian-American dish, I can almost smell the delicious aroma of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce filling the kitchen.
This filling casserole brings people together. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need to serve many. The charm of Baked Ziti Pasta lies in its simplicity – it is comfort food at its best, yet fancy enough for gatherings.
What I enjoy most about this dish is its flexibility. You can adapt it to fit your taste or dietary needs while keeping its essence intact. The mix of perfectly cooked pasta, tasty Italian sausage, and a variety of cheeses creates a blend of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.
I remember the first time I prepared this dish for my family. The look of excitement on their faces as I took it out of the oven, golden and bubbling, was unforgettable. That moment you break through the crispy cheese layer to find the gooey, flavorful goodness beneath – it is pure cooking magic.
My journey with this dish started at my grandmother’s home. Every Sunday, she gathered the family for dinner, and her Baked Ziti was the highlight. I still remember her kitchen, filled with the rich scent of simmering sauce and the sound of laughter.
As a child, I watched in awe as she layered the pasta, meat, and cheeses, crafting what looked like a work of art. It wasn’t until much later, when I began cooking for myself, that I truly understood the love and effort she put into every dish.
While classic Baked Ziti Pasta isn’t exactly a health food, there are ways to boost its nutrition without losing flavor. Here are some tips I found helpful:
Keep in mind, moderation is key. Sometimes, enjoying the classic version is good for the soul!
These ingredients create the base of a fantastic Baked Ziti Pasta. The ziti stands strong under baking, keeping its texture even when covered in sauce and cheese. The Italian sausage brings a flavor depth that’s hard to beat, though you can always try other proteins.
As for the cheeses, the mixture of stretchy mozzarella and creamy ricotta provides a perfect balance of stretch and richness.
In the end, Baked Ziti Pasta is more than a dish – it is a celebration of tastes, a nod to tradition, and evidence of how good food can unite people. So next time you seek a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, give this a try. I promise it will become a regular in your recipe list.
To make the Baked Ziti Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are very al dente, which should take about 7 minutes. Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, it's important to undercook it slightly. Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Set it aside.
Set an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Crumble 1 ½ pounds of sausage into the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is lightly browned and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan, then set it over low heat. If there isn't enough fat left in the pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until soft and aromatic but not browned, about 1 minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 ½ teaspoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Add in 1 cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese, cooked sausage, and ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil to the pan and stir until evenly combined.
Gently pour the contents of the sauté pan into the pot with the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and half of the pecorino Romano (1 ½ tablespoons). Add the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella (1 cup) and pecorino Romano (1 ½ tablespoons).
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese has melted and browned, 15 to 20 minutes.
Garnish with more fresh basil and serve.
This Baked Ziti Pasta recipe captures the essence of cozy meals with its rich layers of pasta, savory sausage, and bubbling cheese. It's the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it's a casual weeknight or a festive gathering. With its mouthwatering aroma and creamy texture, this ziti is sure to satisfy every palate at the table. Made this recipe? Let us know! Tag @cookmerecipes on Instagram and hashtag it #cookmerecipes.
Delicious cozy dish for family gathering! Thanks!
