Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta: Just the name conjures up images of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting classic that has graced family tables for generations. I remember my own grandmother making this dish for every holiday, and the aroma alone was enough to make everyone’s mouth water.

While the exact origins are debated, baked ziti is widely believed to have evolved from the rich culinary traditions of Southern Italy, particularly in regions like Campania. It’s a dish that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. The beauty of baked ziti cheesy pasta lies in its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s easy to customize with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses, making it a perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.

People adore baked ziti for its incredible flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of tender pasta, tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights. So, are you ready to experience the magic of this timeless classic? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. First, let’s get started on the heart of our baked ziti – the meat sauce! In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left!
2. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet – this will add tons of flavor to our sauce.
3. Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. We want it to be nice and sweet.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir again to incorporate all the spices.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. After simmering, return the cooked sausage to the sauce and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

1. While the sauce is simmering, let’s prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. The egg helps to bind the ricotta and gives it a nice creamy texture.
3. Set the ricotta mixture aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. While the sauce is simmering and the ricotta mixture is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions, but cook it al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook in the oven, so we don’t want it to be mushy. Usually, this means cooking it for about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest.
4. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Assembling the Baked Ziti:

1. Now comes the fun part – assembling our baked ziti! In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about half of the meat sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
3. Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and add extra flavor.
4. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Try to distribute it evenly so that every bite has some creamy ricotta goodness.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta mixture.
7. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
8. Dollop the remaining ricotta mixture over the top of the pasta.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Baking the Ziti:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
4. Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Carefully slice the baked ziti into squares and serve hot.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
3. This baked ziti is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread.
4. Enjoy! This is a perfect dish for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a comforting and delicious meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the sausage and add some chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the sauce.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: Baked ziti freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with a little love, can create something truly extraordinary. I genuinely believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious cheesy, saucy goodness, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but craving something comforting. It’s equally at home at a potluck, a family gathering, or even a casual dinner party. And let’s be honest, who can resist a bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish filled with pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce? The layers of flavor, the satisfying texture, and the sheer simplicity of the preparation make this recipe a winner every single time.

But the best part? You can easily customize it to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for an extra layer of heartiness. Want to sneak in some veggies? Sauté some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach and mix them into the sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
* For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms.
* Try using different types of cheese! A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan is always a good choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina or asiago.
* If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce, but I highly recommend making your own from scratch for the best flavor.
* To make it ahead of time, assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
* For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and part-skim mozzarella cheese.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But the real magic happens when you make it your own. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, to tweak the ingredients, and to add your own personal touch. After all, cooking is all about creativity and having fun!

I truly hope you give this Baked Ziti Cheesy Pasta recipe a try. I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of creating this delicious and comforting dish. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any changes to the recipe? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, your stories, and your feedback in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!