Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot); 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup ricotta cheese as alternative); 1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano; 3 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and indulgent flavor: Savory sausage, creamy tomato sauce enriched with heavy cream, and melted mozzarella and parmesan create a luscious combination.
Versatile and convenient: Ideal for preparing in advance, freezing, or making ahead to save time.
Family favorite: A hearty dish that appeals to all ages and melts into an irresistible crowd-pleaser .

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti pasta
Italian sausage (hot or mild)
Garlic
Crushed tomatoes
Fresh basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
Heavy cream (or ricotta as an alternative)
Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano) cheese
Whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Directions

Boil pasta: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Cook ziti according to package directions, then drain and set aside .
Sauté sausage and garlic: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned (about 7–10 minutes), then add garlic for another minute .
Create sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and basil. Simmer on medium-low for about 5 minutes, then mix in heavy cream to enrich the sauce .
Assemble: Spread a layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked pasta with the remaining sauce and parmesan, then spread it in the dish. Top with grated mozzarella .
Bake: Cook for 20–24 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly (spritz foil with cooking spray to avoid sticking) .
Rest and serve: Let the dish sit for at least 5 minutes before serving for best texture .

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: Approx. 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–24 minutes
Rest time: ~5 minutes
Total time: Around 40–45 minutes .

Variations

Use ricotta in place of heavy cream for a slightly different creamy texture .
Switch ziti with penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli if needed .
Try ground beef or a beef*:sausage blend for a different flavor profile .
Mix in herbs like dried basil, or top with additional dollops of marinara for extra flavor (as per notes).

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to several days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: After assembling (or even post-bake), wrap tightly with two layers of foil. Freeze, then reheat at 350 °F for 45–60 minutes until hot and bubbly .

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble the dish, then refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed, adding about 10–15 minutes if coming straight from the fridge .

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely. Freeze after baking or before, using tight wrapping to prevent freezer burn. Reheat thoroughly in the oven for best results .

3. What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?

Ricotta cheese works well for a creamy texture and holds up nicely, especially when reheating .

4. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli are excellent alternatives for ziti .

5. How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?

If the cheese starts browning too rapidly, cover the dish loosely with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray) during baking .

6. How long should it rest after baking?

Let it rest for at least 5 minutes post-bake to allow the sauce to set and make serving cleaner and easier .

7. Can I use dried basil?

Yes use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil if fresh isn’t available .

8. Can I add extra marinara on top before baking?

Absolutely adding marinara on top creates an extra flavorful layer and prevents dryness .

9. Is this dish good for potlucks or gatherings?

Definitely! It feeds 8 and holds up well plus, it’s easy to transport and reheat .

10. What sausages work best?

Either hot or mild Italian sausage works choose according to your taste (milder for mild flavor, hot for spice).

Conclusion

This baked ziti is a cozy, crowd-friendly classic richer and creamier with every layer of sausage, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or special occasions. Make it ahead, freeze it, and enjoy its comforting flavors all week long.